Bullying, also known as bullying, is a serious problem that affects students of all ages around the world. It is often thought that bullying manifests itself only through physical attacks, insults or direct intimidation. However, there are more subtle forms of bullying that can go unnoticed but have an equally devastating impact on the victim.
1. Emotional or psychological bullying
Emotional or psychological bullying is a form of harassment that is characterized by the use of words, gestures or attitudes that emotionally hurt the affected person. Unlike physical bullying, this type of abuse can be more difficult to detect, since it does not leave visible marks on the victim's body. Some examples of emotional bullying include:
• Social exclusion
A common form of emotional bullying is social exclusion, where an individual is deliberately ignored, excluded from group activities, or ostracized in circles. social. This can have a devastating impact on the affected person's self-esteem and emotional well-being, leading them to feel isolated and worthless.
• Manipulation and control
Another form of emotional bullying is manipulation and control. Abusers may use manipulative tactics to exert power over the victim, making them feel guilty, insecure, or helpless. This can create a toxic environment of emotional dependence in which the victim feels trapped and without a way out.
• Constant teasing and humiliation
Constant teasing and humiliation are also a form of emotional bullying that can go unnoticed. Derogatory comments, destructive criticism and offensive jokes directed towards the victim can undermine their self-confidence and self-esteem, generating deep emotional and psychological discomfort.
2. Covert Verbal Bullying
Covert verbal bullying is a more subtle form of bullying that is characterized by the use of insults, criticism or negative comments disguised as "harmless" jokes or comments. At first glance, these behaviors may seem harmless or even friendly, but they are actually intended to hurt or humiliate the victim. Some forms of covert verbal bullying include:
• Malicious irony and sarcasm
Malicious irony and sarcasm are a common form of covert verbal bullying. Bullies may use sarcastic or ironic comments to ridicule or belittle the victim, without it seeming like direct aggression. This can confuse the affected person and make them feel misunderstood or belittled.
• Constant criticism disguised as advice
Another form of covert verbal bullying is constant criticism disguised as advice. Bullies can take advantage of everyday situations to criticize the victim in a veiled way, making them believe that they are providing useful advice when in reality they are attacking their self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Teasing disguised as flattery
Teasing disguised as praise is also a form of covert verbal bullying. Bullies may use praise as a pretext to make hurtful or sarcastic comments, making the victim feel confused or embarrassed. This type of behavior can undermine the self-esteem of the affected person and generate a climate of mistrust.
3. Relational Bullying
Relational bullying is a form of bullying that focuses on damaging the victim's social and emotional relationships, rather than attacking them directly. This type of bullying can manifest itself through the spread of rumors, the manipulation of friends or social isolation. Some forms of relational bullying include:
• Spreading rumors and gossip
Spreading rumors and gossip is a common strategy used in relational bullying. Abusers may spread false or malicious information about the victim with the aim of undermining their reputation or social image. This can generate interpersonal conflicts, social isolation and a feeling of distrust in the victim's environment.
• Manipulation of friendships
Another form of relational bullying is the manipulation of friendships. Aggressors can influence the behavior of the victim's friends or acquaintances so that they distance themselves from them, creating an environment of rejection and social isolation. This form of bullying can make the affected person feel betrayed or abandoned by those they considered their friends.
• Intentional social isolation
Intentional social isolation is also a strategy used in bullying. relational bullying. Bullies can create situations in which the victim feels excluded or ignored by the group, limiting their ability to socialize or form emotional relationships. This type of bullying can generate feelings of loneliness, sadness and helplessness in the affected person.
In conclusion, it is important to recognize that bullying is not limited to direct physical or verbal attacks, but can manifest itself in other ways. more subtle and difficult to detect forms. Emotional bullying, covert verbal bullying, and relational bullying are examples of forms of bullying that can go unnoticed but have a profound impact on the victim's mental and emotional health. It is essential to raise awareness in society about these forms of bullying and promote prevention and support strategies to combat this serious social problem.