Bulling

Definition

Bullying involves an initial desire to hurt, this desire is expressed in action, someone is hurt, the action is directed by a more powerful person or group, it is without justification, it is typically repeated, and it is done so with evident enjoyment." Ken Rigby ( 1998).

Description

• School bullying is the psychological, emotional, social or physical harassment of one student by another.

• The most common form of bullying for both sexes is verbal eg teasing, harassment and name-calling. It is also the most painful type of bullying and has the longest lasting impact.

• Other forms of bullying include extortion, threats, malicious rumours, physical violence, damage to property.

• Bullying includes behaviours that are verbal, physical, cyber instigated or anti-social, such as exclusion, gossip and non-verbal body language.

• The nature and extent of bullying can vary from direct to indirect harassment, from minor irritation to major assault, from "just having a bit of fun" to breaking the law.

• Cyber bullying is the latest form of bullying; often it can be traced and blocked.

• A student can be bullied by one child or by a group for years.

• Bullying can happen sporadically or over a long period of time.

• Some children are bullied wherever they go, at any school.

• Bullying occurs in any school: small, large, single sex, co-educational, traditional and progressive.

• Bullying occurs in primary, secondary, boarding school and tertiary institutions.

• It occurs at school, in transit between school and home, at local shopping centres, parties or parks.

• The playground is the most common place for bullying to occur.

• The majority of children have the potential to be bullies and/or targets.

• Both parents and teachers can bully or experience bullying within the school community.

• Most children believe that bullying cannot be stopped.

• Most children say that they would feel happier and learn

better if they felt safer at school.

• Bullying is one of the major reasons children contact help lines.

Gender stuff

• Both girls and boys can be bullies and victims.

• Boys bully both boys and girls. Girls generally bully other girls.

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