| What Does Bullying Really Mean? |
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| "Offensive discrimination through vindictive, malicious, cruel or humiliating attempts to undermine an individual or groups. These persistently negative attacks on their personal and professional performance are typically unpredictable, irrational and often unseen. This abuse of power and position can cause chronic stress and anxiety and that the person bullied gradually loses belief in themselves, suffering physical ill-health and mental distress as a direct result." |
| Bullying is used to describe many different types of behaviour ranging from teasing, constant nit-picking, being purposely humiliated, being deliberately left out of social gathering or ignored to serious assaults and abuse. Here is a list of behaviours that constitute bullying, they can be seen at school or in the workplace. |
| * Constant nit-picking, fault-finding and criticism of a trivial nature.* * Being singled out and treated differently.* * Being isolated and seprarated from others and excluded from what is going on.* * Being humiliated, shouted at and threatened, often in front of others.* * Constant teasing and taunting, being called names.* * Having things thrown at you and being purposely tripped up.* * Hitting, kicking, pushing and any other form of physical violence.* * Having your personal belongings stolen or hidden from you.* * Being forced into doing things you don't want to do.* * Being taken advantage of, or used only as a last resort.* I doubt that this is a full list, however, I think that most bullying behaviours will fall into some of these categories. There is one important characteristic of bullying though, it is not the action, but the effect it has on it's victim. Some of these behaviours can be used between friends as mutual jokes, however it turns into bullying when it has a negative effect on the victim. Anything, no matter how small it may seem, is bullying if it makes you feel bad. No one should ever underestimate the fear that a bullied child feels. It can be a terrifying experience, living in constant fear of when the next attack comes. |
| I have found it very difficult to find a definition of what bullying actually is and all the behaviours it encompasses. I hope that people find this helpful. Please read the rest of my information on bullying, especially if you are, or have been bullied. It is a very isolating experience and you need as much support as possible. Feel free to e-mail me and I will do my best to help you if you would like it. |
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