ABSTRACT
Bullying is a highly prevalent, intricate, and sometimes harmful violence among kids and teenagers. Bullying is unwelcome, hostile behavior, including a real or imagined social power imbalance. The definition excludes one-off or minor instances since the behavior is repeated or has the potential to be repeated over time. These behaviors are deliberate attempts to harm or distress the victim. Bullying can take many different forms. It can be subtle, and elusive; it can be physical, verbal, relational, or cyber. Verbal bullying, such as calling someone names, is the most prevalent type of bullying that affects both boys and girls. Although it happens more frequently in schools, bullying may occur anywhere.
OBJECTIVES
- Determine the causes and prevalence of bullying.
- Talk about the behavior and indicators that might indicate bullying.
- Describe methods for dealing with and preventing bullying.
- Recognize that bullies and their victims may require distinct anti-bullying tactics.
INTRODUCTION
Bullying is a persistent and intentional abuse of power in interpersonal interactions that involves repetitive verbal, physical, or social behavior to inflict bodily, social, or psychological harm. It can entail a person or group abusing their actual or perceived authority over one or more people who are powerless to stop it.
Bullying can occur in person or online using various digital tools and platforms, and it can be overt or covert. Over time, bullying behaviors are repeated or have the potential to be perpetuated (for instance, via sharing digital records).
ETIOLOGY
Bullying has several root causes, including outrage, heightened rage, retaliation, envy, and needing to be in charge. On the other side, bullying has several detrimental impacts, including the development of phobias, self-destructive behaviors, and a higher risk of anxiety, depression, or both.
VICTIMS
Bullies may choose their victims based on particular risk factors, even though there are numerous causes of bullying.
- Children who are unique among their friends
- Kids who are less intense (than bullies)
- Children who lack friends, are less popular and are socially isolated
- May be plagued with underlying sentiments of inadequacy
BULLIES
These adolescents may exhibit the following traits:
- Aggressive behavior that gets worse with frustration
- Propensity to place blame for their problems on others
- Unwilling to take accountability for their actions
- May have an excessive sense of competition and worry about their popularity or reputation
- May be buddies with bullies
- May detect hostile intent in others' behavior
- May be driven by a desire for domination or power
Bullies don't always have to be bigger or more robust than their victims. Numerous factors, such as strength, intelligence, or popularity, may contribute to the power disparity. Bullying can be done to elevate one's social position.
EPIDEMIOLOGY
The Department of Education (DepEd) has identified over 260,000 instances of physical bullying in schools in only one academic year. The school year 2021–2022, according to a report by Bernadette Reyes on "24 Oras," saw 264,668 documented incidents of physical bullying. In addition, there are 17,258 cases of social bullying, 7,758 cases of cyberbullying, and 7,800 cases of gender-based bullying. Despite the concerning amount, it's thought that many cases went undetected. The DepEd has launched a program concentrating on students' mental health and a helpline for students to report abuse. (GMA Integrated News, NB)
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Bullying is a multifaceted problem that affects children and is influenced by social, physical, institutional, and community environments, as well as the unique traits of the bullied and affected children. The behaviors and attitudes of peers, teachers, and other school personnel, as well as the physical features of that place, all contribute to bullying interactions, in addition to the unique traits of the targeted child. The family dynamics, cultural norms, and even the community's reaction all influence the likelihood of bullying interactions.
HISTORY AND PHYSICAL
There are some indicators that a youngster has experienced bullying, such as:
- Injuries or illnesses that don't have a physical cause
- Lost or broken possessions, including clothing or books
- Regular somatic complaints, alterations in behavior, trouble falling asleep, or recurring nightmares
- Avoiding social or educational circumstances
- A sense of hopelessness or a decline in confidence
- Expressing suicidal thoughts or harming oneself
EVALUATION
The problem of bullying is severe for both the bully and the victim. Recognizing bullying as an issue for a youngster is the first step. Additionally, it's critical to spot bullying behaviors early on.
TREATMENT/MANAGEMENT
There is no "quick fix" to stop or address bullying because it is complex. To develop and implement interventions, it is crucial to comprehend the problems particular to the person and the situation. Here, we outline essential components of an intervention that would deal with this problem.
TO PREVENT BULLYING
- Let children learn about bullying. Discuss what bullying is and safe ways to respond to it. -Inform students that bullying is not acceptable. Kids should be taught how to seek assistance.
- Maintain open channels of communication. Talk to youngsters frequently. Please pay attention to them. Know their friends, find out how the school is doing, and sympathize with their worries.
- Encourage children to pursue their passions. Hobbies, particular pursuits, and pastimes can foster friendships, build self-esteem, and shield children from bullying.
- Set a good example by treating people with respect and kindness.
HELP KIDS UNDERSTAND BULLYING
- Encourage children to talk to a reliable adult if they or someone they know is being bullied. Even if the adult cannot resolve the issue, they can offer consolation, support, and counsel. If the youngster witnesses bullying, encourage them to report it.
- Discuss how to confront bullies among children. Give advice, such as using humor and firmly stating "stop ."Discuss what to do if those measures don't work, such as stepping away.
- Discuss safety precautions like hanging out with groups of youngsters or adults.
Please encourage them to be kind to or seek assistance for children who are being bullied.
ENGAGING THE VICTIM
- View the brief webisodes and talk about them
- Listening to the youngster with empathy and attempting to grasp their perspective
- Provide the kid and family with emotional support
- Ask for permission to speak with school officials.
- Talk about when to contact your parents and consider them partners.
- Psychoeducational therapy
- Ongoing assistance and intervention
ENGAGING THE BULLIES
It's crucial to look at the reasons behind a bully's actions rather than labeling them as bullies.
- Pay attention to their viewpoint. Remain non-confrontational; express sympathy for the sufferer and solicit improved recommendations.
- Define appropriate and unacceptable conduct and clarify that the behavior is inappropriate.
- Children who grow aware of the harm they have caused and discover other coping mechanisms may stop bullying.
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