For years people thought that bullying was a childhood issue, but bullies grow up.
Bullying is an issue that people of all ages should be prepared to deal with, as it is everywhere even in the workplace or sometimes in your adult life. And aside from children, young people can also be vulnerable to bullying as they still figuring life out, who they are and where they fit in the world.
And with the rise of technology, something which youth are usually in tune with, bullying is still prevalent and more so with social media it has increased and has become an activity that can take place 24 hours, anywhere and at any time.
It is often said that ‘knowledge is power’ and the more you know the better equipped you will be in dealing with certain life situations. Therefore if you want to put an end to this problem of bullying the first step is to recognise what it is and the different types of bullying.
Here is a basic guideline to understanding what bullying is and the types of characteristics and situations that involve bullying.Bullying is defined as unwanted or aggressive behaviour that involves real or perceived power imbalance. The behaviour is repeated or has the potential to be repeated over time and can come in many forms.
Hitting, pushing or damage to property is considered physical bullying, while using technological gadgets such as your smartphone or computer to send hurtful texts, emails, posts, images or videos that is called cyber bullying.
Covert or hidden bullying is usually carried out behind the bullied persons back by lying or spreading rumours about someone to harm their social reputation or cause humiliation.
And verbal bullying is a form of manipulation, insults or intimidation usually seen in what is termed the ‘mean girl’, or in situations that involve peer pressure and in some instances road rage.
If you feel you’re in this situation the best option is to reach out, whether to your family or friends or by contacting Stop Bullying Now SA. Email: Stopbullyingnow.sa@gmail.com.