Bullying and Cyberbullying: How to Deal with a Bully and Overcome Bullying

BullyingFor those suffering bullying or cyberbullying, the effects can be devastating, leaving you feeling helpless, humiliated, angry, depressed, or even suicidal. And technology means that bullying is no longer limited to schoolyards or street corners. Cyberbullying can occur anywhere, even at home, via cell phones, emails, texts, and social media, 24 hours a day, with potentially hundreds of people involved. But no type of bullying should ever be tolerated. These tips can help you protect yourself or your child—at school and online—and deal with the growing problem of bullying and cyberbullying.

Bullying is repeated aggressive behavior that can be physical, verbal, or relational, in-person or online. Bullies are often relentless, bullying over and over again for long periods of time. You may live in constant fear of where and when the bully will strike next, what they’ll do, and how far they’ll go.

Types of Bullying

Physical bullying:

  • Hitting, kicking, or pushing someone…or even just threatening to do it
  • Stealing, hiding, or ruining someone’s things
  • Hazing, harassment, humiliation. Making someone do things he or she doesn’t want to do.

Verbal bullying:

  • Name-calling
  • Teasing, taunting
  • Insulting or otherwise verbally abusing someone

Relationship bullying:

  • Refusing to talk to someone
  • Excluding someone from groups or activities
  • Spreading lies or rumors about someone
  • Hazing, harassment, humiliation. Making someone do things he or she doesn’t want to do.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying occurs when someone uses the Internet, emails, text messages, instant messaging, social media, online forums, chat rooms, or other digital technology to harass, threaten, or humiliate another person. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying doesn’t require face-to-face contact and isn’t limited to just a handful of witnesses at a time. It also doesn’t require physical power or strength in numbers.

  • Cyberbullies come in all shapes and sizes—almost anyone with an Internet connection or mobile phone can cyberbully someone else, often without having to reveal their true identity.
  • Cyberbullies can torment their victims 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the bullying can follow the victim anywhere so that no place, not even home, ever feels safe, and with a few clicks the humiliation can be witnessed by hundreds or even thousands of people online.

Read the full article on the Helpguide.org website to learn more about the effects of bullying and cyberbullying, why a bully may be targeting your child, get tips for dealing with bullying and cyberbullying.

Source: Helpguide.org |Bullying and Cyberbullying, https://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/bullying-and-cyberbullying.htm | © Helpguide.org.  All rights reserved. Helpguide.org is a trusted non-profit guide to mental health and well-being.

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