Have you ever been bullied? If not so, ask a victim. Being a victim, I am still recovering from a trauma of events that happened eight years ago. I remember that day like yesterday when I was admitted for secondary education at a famous boarding school. During that time, small boys were molested by mature ones. Being among small boys, my first year at the school was hell. Occasionally, I was harassed, insulted, and sometimes beaten up. However, peer groups, parents, and supportive teaching staff helped me overcome it during the second year to complete my studies.
Based on my experiences and readings in class, bullying is among the leading problems affecting young people today ( Jan & Husain, 2015). Victims and bystanders are at significant risk of developing extreme mental complications such as depression and substance use disorder when not helped. Anyone can be a victim; however without peer groups are at more risk. Other factors taut increase the susceptibility of victims includes; having unique physical features, cognitive disability, belonging to a hated sexual oriented group, and being seen as weak or defenseless. Research studies suggest a shift in behavior among victims over time. Some of the symptoms include; reluctance to go to school or places they are bullied, a decline in academic work, sleeping problems, change in eating habits, and lack of interest in socializing. I remember my parents inquiring about the sharp decline in academics. I decided to open to them about what was going on. Luckily, they understood. Together with peer groups and teachers, they provided a shoulder to lean on whenever troubled. Unfortunately, some children do not show such signs at all. In such cases, the parents may diagnose the problem by being close to them. It is prudent to regularly engage children about their experiences at school, church, or other places.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
From what I have learned from my instructor and classmates, bullying is caused by several factors. Initially, bullies are victims of stress or trauma ( Jan & Husain, 2015). Children who experience traumatic conditions and fail to cope with them are likely to bully others as a defense mechanism. Apart from that, bullying is prevalent based on gender norms. Most bullies are male since victims fail to open up to others. Females tend to accept and talk about their problems. Thirdly, lack of connection poses risks of developing aggressive behavior. During growth and development, children who fail to find their peers struggle to connect with others later on. Lack of peers makes one feel insecure, which opens door for aggressive behaviors. Lastly, those bullied are likely to become bullies to cope ( Smith, 2016). When victims feel insecure, the chances of adopting aggressive behaviors to protect themselves are high. Due to phobia, victims fail to see the pain they are causing to others. However, these causes do not justify bullying. Bullying can be avoided if victims and bystanders seek help early.
Social cognitive theory suggests that bullying is a social relationship issue that can be mitigated by addressing social, mental, any contributing psychological factors ( Swearer et al., 2014). Schools and other institutions cannot address bullying alone without parent involvement. Stopping the act starts with parents, teachers and other relevant stakeholders realizing the warning signs such as fear and anxiety. Nevertheless, it requires sacrifice in terms of time. Parents should spend quality time with kids to understand what they are going through. Afterward, children should be instilled with healthy coping habits and empowered. Self-esteemed children are less likely to become victims, perpetrators, or bystanders. I wish that no child undergoes such a treatment. Stop bullying; promote the social, cognitive and psychological well-being of children!
References
Jan, A., & Husain, S. (2015). Bullying in Elementary Schools: Its Causes and Effects on Students. Journal of Education and Practice , 6 (19), 43-56.
Smith, P. K. (2016). Bullying: Definition, Types, causes, consequences, and intervention. Social and Personality Psychology Compass , 10 (9), 519-532.
Swearer, S. M., Wang, C., Berry, B., & Myers, Z. R. (2014). Reducing bullying: Application of social cognitive theory. Theory into Practice , 53 (4), 271-277.
