Bullying is not just harmless fun. Bullying happens when someone thinks they have more power than someone else. Bullying can affect physical mental and emotional health. It can lead to physical injuries, social and emotional problems, and possibly even death. Those who are bullied are at increased risk for mental health problems. Bullying also can cause major damage to your self-esteem. Children and teens who are exposed to bullying are at increased risk for drug use, academic problems, and violence to others later in life. Those who are bullies and/or victims of bullying suffer serious side effects of bullying and are at greater risk for mental and behavioural problems. Research studies show that anyone involved with bullying, like those who bully others, those who are bullied, and those who bully and are bullied are at increased risk for depression and other problems in life.
There are many different types and forms of bullying, and it is important that if you are affected by bullying whether it is physically, mentally, or emotionally that you tell someone you trust. These types of bullying include:
- Verbal bullying, (e.g. Putting someone down or threatening to hurt someone)
- Physical bullying, (e.g. Contact that hurts someone, or touching them inappropriately)
- Social bullying, (e.g. Spreading rumours or embarrassing someone in public)
- Cyberbullying, (e.g. Sending harmful messages, pictures or making mean or nasty about someone. Bullying like this can be anonymous and posted online where it can be seen by lots of people. It can go on for long periods of time if it’s not dealt with.
Bullying can also be done secretly, like doing or saying something behind someone’s back. But you must always remember that bullying of any sort is never ok. It’s not simple to deal with but help is always available to make you feel better. Unfortunately, at least 27% of Australian grade 4-9’s experience bullying at school every few weeks (bullyzero.org.au). Bullying is scary and unpredictable, if you are experiencing it tell someone you trust.
There are many reasons why someone might bully others. People who bully may have experienced bullying or violence themselves. It’s still important to remember, this doesn’t make it ok. People might use bullying because are pressured by their peers or they are trying to feel more secure, more powerful and look cooler in front of others, or feel better about themselves. This may be their way of coping if they learnt better ways to cope. Bullying can also happen because of jealousy, lack of knowledge, out of fear or misunderstanding. Always remember there are people to help you, and you’re not alone.
If you are in immediate danger call:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Police: 000 (in AUS)
Kids helpline: 1800 55 1800
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xoxo – The Sunshine Blogger
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