overcoming bullies
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You have the strength to overcome bullying, and this blog will show you how.
(September 22, 2023).
Bullying is a storm that many face, but we want you to know that you have the strength to overcome it. In this blog, we'll explore how to navigate the complex terrain of bullying, equip ourselves with the tools to combat it, and extend our support to others in their journey.
The Shocking Reality of Bullying
Did you know that one-third of the world's youth experiences bullying? It's a staggering statistic, and one we can partly attribute to the stealthy reach of modern bullying, fueled by social media platforms like Snapchat. These new-age forms of bullying can invade the sanctuary of our homes, making it more important than ever to address this issue and empower young individuals, especially young women, to combat it effectively.
Understanding & Identifying Bullying
The American Psychological Association defines bullying as the “persistent threatening and aggressive physical behavior or verbal abuse directed toward other people, especially those who are younger, smaller, weaker, or in some other situation of relative advantage.“ To help you identify bullying, here are the top three differences between bullying and other forms of conflict
1.) Intent: While other conflicts are driven by different opinions or interests, bullying is driven by a deliberate intent to hurt another party.
2.) Reciprocity: In bullying, only one side (the bully) contributes to the conflict by continuously targeting the other (the victim).
3.) Resolution: In contrast to other conflicts, constructive dialogue and understanding do not resolve bullying easily, as the bully wants to maintain control.
I wanted to address this distinction because we need to respond to the power imbalances in bullying differently than conflicts. If you‘re not sure if what you‘re seeing / experiencing is bullying, ask this question: Will open communication and compromise fix this conflict? If you‘re still not sure, here is a list of signs to look out for:
Signs someone is being bullied:
Unexplainable injuries
Belongings like clothing end up lost or destroyed
Changes in eating habits
Difficulty sleeping / nightmares
Not wanting to go to school
Declining grades
Avoidance of social situations or sudden loss of friends
Decreased self esteem
Self-destructive behaviors (running away from home, self-harm, talking about suicide)
IMPORTANT: If you see these signs in someone around you, don‘t ignore them. Get help right away. If you recognize that you are a victim of bullying and are suffering from thoughts of self harm, you are not alone. I am not legally able to help you, but I would suggest that you talk to some help hotlines such as Crisis Text Line (You can text HOME to 741741 or call 988), or find professional help through therapy or counseling. Please remember how important you are. Here's a link to some additional resources: https://www.apa.org/topics/crisis-hotlines.
Signs someone is bullying others:
Getting into physical or verbal fights
Having friends who are bullies
Increased aggression
Having unexplained extra money or new belongings
Blaming others for their problems
Not taking responsibility for their actions
Overly competitive
Overly concerned about popularity
Responding to Bullying
When faced with bullying, how you respond matters. Responding with a calm and composed demeanor is essential. Seek support from trusted adults, friends, or counselors. Document incidents to track patterns, and utilize available resources, such as hotlines or support groups, for guidance. But remember, never ignore it; victims often feel shame or helplessness.
Building Resilience
If we want to combat bullying, we need resilience! This is about withstanding the storm and emerging from it even stronger. Let‘s explore strategies to improve your emotional resilience and equip you to face bullying with confidence.
1.) Cultivate a positive self-image. You have unique qualities, strengths, and abilities. Remember: People‘s hurtful words and actions are a reflection of their own insecurities; you are so much more than any negative words or actions thrown your way.
2.) Develop coping mechanisms and stress management techniques. Deep breathing exercise, meditation, journaling, or engaging in creative outlets can help you manage stress effectively.
3.) Seek support from friends and trusted adults. Don‘t hesitate to share your feelings and concerns with friends, family members, or mentors. They are here for you to lean on.
Supporting Others
In our journey to combat bullying, we need to also extend our support to those around us. Here is how you can support friends, peers, or anyone you encounter who might be dealing with bullying:
1.) Be a good listener and show empathy. Give them a safe space to express their feelings and concerns without judgment. Knowing that someone cares goes a far way.
2.) Encourage them to seek help. Offer to accompany them if they feel anxious about reaching out and help them access available resources.
Key Takeaways
Bullying is a repetitive pattern of harm driven by an imbalance of power
Reporting bullying is not just a responsibility; it‘s a lifeline for those in need
Reacting with composure and reaching out to trusted adults are crucial
Building emotional resilience can empower us to weather the storm of bullying and emerge even stronger
Bullying is not just about standing up for ourselves; it’s about standing up for others too
In closing, I encourage you to share your experiences and stand up against bullying. Remember that your voice is powerful, and your actions can spark change.
~ Written by Saskia <3
