Bullying and its effects

Bullying and its effects

Introduction

Bullying is a complex topic, as bullying behavior occurs in many contexts in society—from schools and playgrounds to the workplace and the home. Bullies may be children or adults, and they often have pasts that are rife with problems. The behaviors that constitute bullying are diverse and often have a specific purpose and involve planning. The victims are chosen because of specific characteristics, and the bullying they experience often exacerbates these traits, leading to a cycle of increasing social isolation and lowering of self-esteem. There also are long-lasting effects of bullying on bullies and victims, as bullies are more likely than their peers to be perpetrators of crime, and victims are more likely to be abused as adults.

Researchers have only relatively recently become interested in and concerned about the victimization involved in bullying, particularly among children and adolescents. The pioneering research on this topic was done by psychologist Daniel Olweus at the University of Bergen in Norway. He began his work in 1970, but only received support from Norwegian school officials in 1982 after three boys committed suicide after being bullied and harassed. Since then, school systems in other countries have made efforts to address the problem of bullying. In the United States, bullying began to attract attention following school shootings by young men who had apparently been harassed by their peers. Bullying is now a central concern of teachers, school administrators, and parents.

Proposed Aims and Objectives

The aim of this research is to analyze bullying and the effects it causes on the person being bullied. In the light of this aim, the study will also fulfill the following objectives:

1.To identify the role of bullying in causing depression

2.To evaluate the harmful effects bullying can have on people.

Thesis statement

Bullying behavior can occur in several forms and situations, and the definition of bullying includes the following three components. First, bullying in volves intentional and aggressive behavior designed to intimidate, harass, exclude, destroy property, or physically injure others. The verbal behavior can take the form of threats, name-calling, teasing, demands for money or services, spreading of rumors, and/or obscene gestures. Some of these behaviors result in indirect bullying, such as spreading rumors; others are direct behaviors, such as name-calling. Physical behaviors designed to bully are direct and can include tripping, shoving, pushing, or hitting (Almond, 2007).

Literature Review

Bullies and Victims

Children and adolescents who exhibit bullying behavior tend to be aggressive in their interactions with others generally. They are often impulsive and have little patience or empathy for others. Male bullies also are likely to be physically larger than their peers. Bullies may be popular among their peers and may receive support from them, even while they are exhibiting bullying behavior, particularly if their victims are generally not well liked. They usually appear confident and think well of themselves. Bullies tend to come from families where parents use inconsistent discipline. The children tend to have few limits placed on their behavior, but they are often physically ...