Are You Bullying Someone?
Recognising bullying behaviour in others is quite easy but are we able to see those behaviours in ourselves? It can be difficult to look at our own behaviour because we might find something we don’t like or we know is not acceptable – something like bullying.
Bullying is NOT a laugh or a joke. Bullying is cruel and has a devastating effect on all involved and can ruin people’s lives.
The comments are from young people who have completed our questionnaire. Their names have been changed to protect their identities. If you think bullying is OK or a joke, then maybe these comments will make you realise it isn’t.
“I can’t take anymore. I just want it to stop.” Lucy, 14
“He kept on and on and on. The punches weren’t so bad. It was the comments that hurt more.” Tom, 16
“I don’t want to go to school anymore. They make my life hell. No-one listens. I want to end it all.” Ray, 14
“As a result of bullying, I developed an eating disorder at 13 which lasted until I was in my mid thirties. I’ve never really got over it” Ann, 54
Bullying creates a culture of fear and has a negative impact on everyone involved. Being bullied can seriously affect a person’s physical, emotional, academic and social well-being. Many sufferers of bullying lack confidence, feel bad about themselves, have few friends and spend a lot of time alone. If you are bullying somebody, is this how you really want to make them feel?
Why do people bully?
According to research from http://www.ditchthelabel.org most people bully because they are looking to gain a feeling of power, purpose and control over another person. Of course, there are other reasons too:
- To gain attention
- To take things from someone
- They might be jealous of the person they are bullying
- They may be feeling unhappy and/or insecure
- They may have been bullied themselves
- They’re using bullying as a defence mechanism – by bullying others, they’re immune to being bullied themselves
- They have low self-esteem
- They have a difficult home life
- Sometimes, a person is displaying bullying behaviour and does not realise they’re doing it or the effects it is having on others
Whilst this doesn’t condone what they do, understanding what might be behind a bully’s behaviour can sometimes help the situation and ensure they receive the relevant help and support needed to encourage them to change their behaviour.
Bullying is like an addiction and bullies can become addicted to the power and control they have over others.
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