Bullying represents one of the most serious problems in schools around the world. This phenomenon involves a destructive dynamic where the strong prevail over the weak, creating a twisted game of winning and losing that leads to profoundly damaging results on a psychological, social and physical level. We must understand this dark game in order to stop the escalation of violence in our schools.
Understanding Bullying
Bullying is defined as aggressive behavior that is intentional and involves an imbalance of power or strength. Normally, this behavior is repeated over time. Therefore, we can understand bullying as a repetitive and intentional behavior of aggression and domination by one or more people towards others.
Types of Bullying
Bullying can take various forms such as physical, verbal, relational and cybernetic. Each one has very specific and particular consequences. Physical bullying involves the use of physical force. Verbal bullying includes insults or threats. Relational bullying refers to exclusion from social groups and the spread of rumors. In the digital age, cyberbullying has become increasingly common using digital media to harass or shame.
The Game of Winning and Losing
Bullying presents a distortion of the concept of winning and losing. In healthy competition, one person or team may win or lose in an activity, but both sides view the event as fair and respect the other party. In the bullying scenario, the perpetrator "wins" by dominating the target, while the victim "loses" by being subjugated. This model of winning at all costs, without taking into account justice or human dignity, is the basis of bullying.
Consequences of Bullying
Psychological and physical impact
The consequences of being a victim of bullying can be debilitating and long-term. Children and adolescents who experience bullying may suffer from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and even suicidal thoughts. Additionally, they may develop physical symptoms such as changes in eating habits, headaches, stomachaches, and sleep problems.
Academic impact
Academic performance is also affected. There is a direct correlation between victims of bullying and poor academic performance, poor participation in school and high absenteeism rate.
Impact on the aggressor
The impact is not limited only to victims. Bullies may have behavioral and relationship problems. These individuals may become adults who abuse their partners or children, engage in criminal activity, or have difficulty maintaining jobs.
Intervention and Prevention
To end the destructive game of bullying , it is crucial to implement intervention and prevention strategies. Teachers and parents must be informed and trained on how to recognize and manage bullying. Awareness campaigns in schools can help foster a safe and respectful environment. Additionally, emotional support and counseling for victims should be encouraged to help them overcome the resulting psychological harm.
The Role of Bystanders
Bystanders, individuals who witness bullying, they play a crucial role. By turning bystanders into helpers, they can prevent bullying by intervening when they see it, supporting the victim, and reporting it to an adult.
Conclusion
The battle against bullying is one that We must all fight together to protect the well-being of our young people. Understanding the dynamics of the game of winning and losing that bullying poses is the first step to dismantling it. Only then can we stop this form of violence and ensure that our schools are safe and welcoming places for all.