WHAT IS BULLYING?

Bullying is a social problem and is considered anti-social. Bullying can cause serious issues of self-esteem, identity and belonging in those who are bullied, resulting in lower quality of life, self-harm and even suicide. It is usually defined by four factors:

  1. Intentional—intending to cause physical or psychological harm. A minor disagreement between strangers or friends doesn’t count as bullying.
  2. Harmful—resulting in physical or psychological harm to the victim.
  3. Power imbalance—an unequal relationship between the bully and victim due to a number of reasons such as size, strength, age, gender or social status.
  4. Ongoing—repeating the anti-social behavior.

There are four forms bullying can take:

  1. Physical—physically harming or overpowering another person or group of people.
  2. Verbal—name-calling, threatening, or teasing.
  3. Social—starting rumours, gossiping, excluding others, embarrassing someone in public.
  4. Cyberbullying—psychologically harming the victim through text messages, email, social media, chat rooms etc.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?

The ease with which friends, loved ones or professionals can tell if someone has been bullied can vary quite a lot. This is due to factors such as the form of bullying that has taken place; the unwillingness of the victim to admit it to others or even to themselves; the tendency of victims to hide the signs of bullying; or whether the bullying is physically violent enough to leave behind any physical signs.

Physical bullying usually has far more obvious signs than verbal or social bullying. This is due to having to witness the verbal act take place or be involved in the social space where either can happen. Physical signs include unexplained marks like bruises, cuts or scratches.

When someone becomes the victim of bullying (including physical bullying) there are a number of non-physical signs to watch out for.

General signs of bullying include the following:

  • Frequent crying or anger
  • Mood swings
  • Feeling sick in the morning
  • Feeling insecure
  • Becoming withdrawn from others
  • Being unusually aggressive or unreasonable
  • Refusing to talk about what is wrong
  • Lashing out at others physically or verbally. For children, it is often their siblings
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Feeling sad, lonely, angry or confused
  • Feeling hopeless or powerless
  • Thoughts of self-harm
  • Academic and sporting performance start decreasing
  • Unable or unwilling to speak up in class
  • Often alone or excluded from groups at school, university or the workplace
  • Children may avoid school, be afraid of walking to school
  • Children may arrive home hungry. Due to their lunch money being taken or just feeling very exhausted

These are many of the signs of bullying for friends, loved ones and professionals to watch out for but it is also important for the victim to recognise the less obvious effects of bullying in themselves, such as thoughts of self-harm or worthlessness. Recognising the effects bullying has on them may help them come to terms with the reality of their situation and seek help.

HOW COMMON IS IT?

Bullying, in some form or another, is present in every primary and secondary school in the world. It also happens in universities, workplaces, clubs and other institutions. It can even take place in more public places, such as on the street or train, but this is usually considered to be a case of verbal or physical assault due to the bully having less frequent access to the victim.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES THAT LEAD TO BULLYING?

The reasons why someone bullies another person are numerous and often complex but can include the following:

  • They may feel powerless in their own lives and do it to feel a sense of power;
  • They may be jealous of their victims
  • They may lack empathy
  • They may be a victim of bullying and do it as a form of lashing out
  • They may have been raised by parents who are bullies themselves.

HELP FOR BULLYING BEHAVIOUR

At Brain Training Australia™ we use Neurofeedback Brain Training to support those suffering or experiencing Bullying Behaviour

WORK WITH THE NATURAL THERAPY EXPERTS

The team at Brain Training Australia™ has helped many of their clients deal with the psychological effects of bullying as well as a range of other social issues in our modern society. They focus on the latest research and give their clients the tools and confidence they need to live a healthier and happier life.

Let us help you. Here is how to get started.

Your first step is to get in contact with us  or simply book online for your First Appointment and get started straight away.

The team at Brain Training Australia recognise the unique qualities of all our clients and will work closely with you to personalise your Brain Training Program so that you can achieve your goals of optimal mental processes.

We look forward to helping you live a much richer, happier and healthier life.