Development and Bullying: A Complex Relationship
Bullying is a serious problem that affects millions of children and adolescents around the world. It can have negative consequences for the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the victims, as well as for the perpetrators and bystanders. Bullying can also interfere with the academic performance and social development of the involved parties.
But what causes bullying? And what role does development play in combating it? These are some of the questions that researchers and educators have been trying to answer for decades. In this blog post, we will explore some of the factors that influence the occurrence and prevention of bullying, and how development can be a key factor in both.
What is bullying?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), bullying is “the intentional use of physical or psychological aggression or coercion by an individual or a group against another individual or group who are unable to defend themselves effectively”. Bullying can take many forms, such as:
– Physical bullying: hitting, kicking, pushing, spitting, stealing, or damaging belongings.
– Verbal bullying: name-calling, teasing, insulting, threatening, or spreading rumors.
– Social bullying: excluding, ignoring, isolating, or rejecting someone from a group or activity.
– Cyberbullying: using electronic devices or online platforms to harass, humiliate, or intimidate someone.
Bullying can occur in different settings, such as schools, neighborhoods, workplaces, or online communities. It can also involve different actors, such as peers, teachers, parents, or strangers. Bullying can be motivated by various factors, such as:
– Personal characteristics: such as age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, appearance, or personality.
– Social dynamics: such as power imbalance, group pressure, competition, or status.
– Environmental factors: such as family conflict, school climate, cultural norms, or media influence.
What are the effects of bullying?
Bullying can have detrimental effects on the health and development of the victims, the perpetrators, and the bystanders. Some of the possible effects are:
– For the victims: low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness, isolation, anger, fear, guilt, shame, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, physical injuries or illnesses, academic difficulties or dropout.
– For the perpetrators: aggression, antisocial behavior, delinquency, substance abuse,
violence,
legal problems,
poor academic achievement or dropout.
– For the bystanders: distress,
confusion,
helplessness,
guilt,
fear,
desensitization,
conformity,
or participation in bullying.
How can development help prevent bullying?
Development is a complex and multidimensional process that involves changes in biological,
psychological,
social,
and environmental aspects of human life. Development can influence and be influenced by bullying in various ways. Some of the ways that development can help prevent bullying are:
– By enhancing individual skills and competencies: such as self-awareness,
self-regulation,
empathy,
communication,
problem-solving,
conflict resolution,
or resilience. These skills can help children and adolescents to cope with stress,
express their emotions and needs appropriately,
understand and respect others’ perspectives and feelings,
negotiate and cooperate with others,
or overcome adversity.
– By fostering positive relationships and support networks: such as family,
friends,
teachers,
mentors,
or community members. These relationships can provide children and adolescents with love,
care,
guidance,
encouragement,
feedback,
or protection. They can also model positive behaviors and values,
promote social norms and expectations against bullying,
or intervene when bullying occurs.
– By creating safe and inclusive environments and opportunities: such as schools,
neighborhoods,
workplaces,
or online platforms. These environments can offer children and adolescents with physical and psychological security,
diversity and acceptance,
participation and engagement,
or learning and growth. They can also implement policies and practices that prevent and address bullying effectively,
such as anti-bullying programs,
codes of conduct,
reporting systems,
or disciplinary measures.
Conclusion
Bullying is a multifaceted phenomenon that requires a comprehensive and holistic approach to prevent it. Development can play a crucial role in this endeavor by enhancing the individual capacities and social resources of children and adolescents to deal with bullying situations. By promoting development across different domains and contexts,
we can help create a culture of respect,
tolerance,
and peace for everyone.
References
– Craig W., Harel-Fisch Y., Fogel-Grinvald H., et al. (2009). A cross-national profile of bullying assignment help – write my psychology dissertation
and victimization among adolescents in 40 countries. International Journal of Public Health 54(S2): 216–224.
– Farrington D.P., Ttofi M.M. (2009). School-based programs to reduce bullying
and victimization. Campbell Systematic Reviews 6(6): 1–147.
– Olweus D. (1993). Bullying at school: What we know and what we can do. Oxford: Blackwell.
– World Health Organization (2019). Violence prevention: the evidence. Overview. Geneva: WHO.
