October is recognized as Bullying Awareness Month, a time dedicated to fostering understanding of the pervasive issue of bullying. To grasp the significance of this month and the ongoing challenges associated with bullying, it is essential to first define what bullying entails. According to National Bullying Prevention Center (PACER) (2023), a prominent bullying prevention organization, bullying is not an individual but rather a behavior that can be exhibited by anyone. As PACER (2023) aptly states, “anyone can bully, and anyone can be bullied.” The Anti-Bullying Alliance further defines bullying as: “The repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. Bullying can be physical, verbal or psychological. It can happen face-to-face or online.”

Statistics on Bullying

Recent statistics from PACER (2023), reveal that one in five students (20.2%) report being bullied, and 41% of these students believe that they will be targeted again. Alarmingly, only 46% of students who experienced bullying reported the incident to an adult at school. These figures underscore the complexity surrounding bullying, illustrating not only the prevalence of bullying among students but also the reluctance of less than half of them to seek assistance from adults.

Types of Bullying

Bullying can manifest in various forms, each deserving of serious attention. As noted by PREVnet (2024), the types of bullying include:

• Physical Bullying: This includes actions such as kicking, spitting, and punching, which physically harm the victim. Such actions also have psychological repercussions.
• Verbal Bullying: This form involves humiliating or insulting remarks, teasing, name-calling, and mocking, which can severely affect the victim’s mental health. Racist comments are a notable example of verbal bullying.
• Social Bullying: This encompasses tactics aimed at excluding individuals from groups, damaging friendships, and publicly embarrassing the victim.
• Cyberbullying: Predominantly occurring on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, this form involves threats, humiliating comments, or the dissemination of rumors designed to tarnish the victim’s reputation.

Impact of Bullying on Victims

The consequences of bullying are profound, affecting not only victims but also perpetrators. The National Institutes of Health (2017) highlight the significant physical and emotional harm that bullying can inflict on victims, leading to social difficulties and, in severe cases, even suicidal ideation. Perpetrators of bullying also face heightened risks of academic failure and substance abuse.

A study by Hemphill et al. (2014) underscores several adverse effects of bullying, including:

• Mental Health: The research indicates an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal among victims.
• Suicidal Thoughts: Bullying can exacerbate suicidal ideation, particularly in individuals with pre-existing mental health vulnerabilities.
• Lower Academic Performance: Emotional distress stemming from bullying is associated with a decline in academic achievement.

Signs of Bullying

There are several warning signs that may indicate a student is being bullied. Educators and school staff should be vigilant for the following signs, as outlined by Vic.Gov (2024):

• Increased aggression or engagement in fights
• Reluctance to discuss the situation
• Unexplained bruises or injuries, especially following recess or lunch
• Missing or damaged belongings
• Declining academic performance
• Social withdrawal or exclusion from peer groups

Parents can also observe similar signs at home, alongside some distinct indicators, as reported by StopBullying.gov (2019):

• Frequent headaches or stomachaches
• Complaints of illness or feigning sickness
• Changes in eating habits, such as skipping meals or overeating
• Difficulty sleeping or experiencing nightmares
• Declines in grades and academic performance
• Feelings of helplessness or low self-esteem

It is crucial for parents and educators to recognize these signs, as children who are being bullied may be reluctant to come forward and discuss their experiences.

Taking Action Now

Bullying can affect individuals across all age groups and in diverse settings, making it imperative to remain informed about effective strategies to support adolescents and oneself in addressing this issue.

The Joselyn Centre (2021) recommends several actions to assist individuals experiencing bullying. Firstly, providing friendship and emotional support can significantly alleviate feelings of isolation. Encouraging victims to communicate their experiences to a trusted adult can also facilitate intervention.

Additionally, if you suspect that bullying has caused psychological harm or serious health impacts, it is vital to encourage the individual to seek professional help promptly.

Dorotheos Charalambous, Psychologist