Bullying Support Discussion - Change Is Needed
Bullying is a prevalent issue in a myriad of different environments, around the globe. It is a (negative) action which occurs online, in school environments, in workplaces, in home environments, in social groups, in political environments, etc. Many people are affected by the problem of bullying, and it is a particular concern whereby improvements can be made.
Bullying Discussion:
What are your thoughts on bullying? How do you think the widespread issue of bullying can be improved, in various environments?
Do you have any suggestions on how this issue can become better? How can we better and more effectively deal with this common issue, as individuals, and within groups and societies? What actions can be taken? How do you think these various segments can be supported, and create positive changes?
Your comments are welcome.
@FaithJasmine
Speaking out about either being bullied or having been bullied is really hard. Even as bystanders, its can be really difficult to stand up and speak out for those who are victims for many reasopns. Bystanders may be afraid, feel intimidated, or uncomfortable, afraid of reprisals if they speak up against those who are the bullies when they see others mistreated especially in a hierachial organisation. When this occurs, the bully assumes this behaviour is acceptable and the more they get away with their behaviour, the more the victims go unheard and the victim assumes that others agree with the bully. But this is not the case. Studies show that most bystanders do not condone the mistreatment and many feel sympathy for the victim and wish to help but feel powerless and helpless and even when they call upon help, it is often not forthcoming. Sometimes bystanders are worried that if they speak up then the bully will turn his/her attention to them. Sometimes bystanders simply dont know what to do and silence seems safe. More needs to be done to educate bystanders on what to do when bullying occurs, when to act, who to go to, what to do, how to diffuse situations safety without reprisals. Organisations from schools right up with multi media giants need to appreciate the harmful affects of bullying and that it can lead to long term effects and even death. Perhaps they need more education and awareness as to what constitutes bullying.
And the more empowered people are, the more chance there is of stopping bullying. Everyone has a right to feel safe, and every adult has a responsibility towards stamping bullying out and ensuring that this kind of behaviour doesnt happen and doesnt damage other people.
People having the opportunities of being able to talk about their experiences of having been bullied can help enormously but even before that, people being given the opportunities to seek help and support for when they are being bullied, free of repercussians from speaking out, free of negative consequences, being believed, being validated, being supported, and their reports and concerns taken seriously.
Recovering from bullying should never be a solitary experience. It may be difficult to talk about at the best of times with friends and loved one, but having the support of others is a key predictor of minimizing the long term consequences of this experience. Perhaps programmes of support should be build into organisations more so than there is currently available, built more into schools, workplaces, colleges, businesses, unions, social media giants. online sites etc.
More programmes that look at equality, inclusions and unity in schools, programmes that educate those around bullying and its consequences would be beneficial, peer mentoring programmes could prove useful, companies and bosses held accountable, policies introduced and more emphasis placed on supporting the victims would go a long way