What is Bullying?
Bullying is the repeated, intentional use of words, actions, or behaviors to hurt, intimidate, control, humiliate, or isolate another person. It often involves an imbalance of power, whether physical strength, social status, authority, age, popularity, or access to information.
Bullying is not simply a disagreement or a one-time argument. It becomes bullying when a person repeatedly targets someone with the intent to cause emotional, physical, psychological, or social harm.
Types of Bullying
1. Physical Bullying-This involves causing physical harm or threatening violence.
Some examples include:
2. Verbal Bullying-Using words to hurt another person.
Some examples include:
3. Social or Relational Bullying-Damaging someone's relationships or reputation.
Some examples include:
4. Cyberbullying-Bullying through technology.
Some examples include:
5. Psychological or Emotional Bullying-Manipulating another person's emotions or mental well-being.
Some examples include:
How can you identify someone who is being bullied?
Someone may be experiencing bullying if they begin to show changes in behavior such as:
Emotional Signs:-
Physical Signs
Social Signs
Academic or Workplace Signs
A few quick examples of Bullying:-
Why does bullying happen?
There is no single cause. Bullying usually develops through multiple influences, such as:-
What factors or environment produces bullies?
Although every individual is responsible for their own choices, certain environments can increase the likelihood of bullying behavior.
What are some of the effects on the victim of Bullying?
Listing the effects from least severe to the worst possible outcome:-
What does the bible say about Bullying?
Although this word is not specifically stated, it strongly condemns oppression, cruelty, hatred, violence, mockery, and unjust treatment of others.
Scriptures says we ought to:-
Love one another
John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
1John 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Oppose Oppression
Proverbs 6:16 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
What to do if you are being bullied?
Take a deep breath, avoid responding with insults or threats, and focus on your safety.
Speak Assertively-Being assertive means standing up for yourself without becoming aggressive. Use a firm and confident voice, say something like, Please stop, I do not appreciate being spoken to that way, Your behaviour is unacceptable or Leave me alone.
Walk away when possible-Not every situation needs to become an argument. If someone is trying to provoke you, leaving the situation may be the safest and wisest response. Walking away is not weakness, it can be a way of protecting yourself.
Tell someone you trust-Do not keep bullying a secret. The sooner someone knows, the sooner support and intervention can begin.
Keep Evidence-If the bullying happens repeatedly, document it. Record the dates, times, locations, what happened and who witnessed it. If there was a video recording or tape recording keep this. Save text messages, emails, social media posts, screenshots, voicemails.
Protect yourself online-If you are being cyberbullied, Block the person when appropriate. Adjust your privacy settings. Avoid responding to abusive messages. Report the behavior to the platform. Tell a trusted adult or supervisor if the harassment continues or includes threats.
Stay connected-Bullies often try to isolate their targets.
Spend time with people who encourage and support you.
Healthy friendships can provide strength, perspective, and practical help.
Take care of your mental and emotional health-
Bullying can affect your confidence and well-being. Healthy ways to care for yourself include prayer, reading scriptures/meditating on scriptures, talking with trusted persons, exercise, adequate sleep, healthy eating, speaking with a licensed professional.
Know when to contact the authorities
Learn to defend yourself-Use this for protection and not retaliation. Self defense can help build confidence, improve discipline and self control, increase awareness of surroundings, learning how to de-escalate a situation, escaping dangerous situations safely,
A time for everything
Ecclesiastes 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
Ecclesiastes 3:8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
Preserve Life
Proverbs 22:3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished
