What is bullying?

• Bullying is the repeated harassment and attack on others
• It can be physical or verbal or both
• Bullying has been reported in on-line chat rooms, short message system (SMS) and also through e-mails
• It often occurs without the knowledge of parents and teachers
• Bullies most often deny their involvement, while victims of bullies choose to keep quiet for fear of revenge and embarrassment

Why does one bully?

Several factors contribute to making a bully. They include:

• Family factors:
  • Lack of warmth and affection from parents
  • Harsh disciplining methods
  • Poor parental supervision
  • Abusive behavior of parents

• Teenager factors:
  • Impulsive behavior
  • Temperamental character
  • Depression about happenings at home or school
  • Angry about mistreatment at home or school
  • Being victim of physical abuse or bullying

• School factors:
  • Bullying incidents are not dealt firmly
  • Insufficient supervision of identified bullies
  • Poor control over students
  • Low morale amongst teachers

Why does one get bullied?

You are at risk of being bullied if you are:

• Physically small and weak
• Feeling insecure
• Timid
• Anxious
• Lacking self-confidence
• Not getting support from parents and teachers

How can you tell if one is a bully?

A bully is someone who:

• Hurts others physically
  • E.g.: Hit, punch or kick
• Hurts others emotionally
  • E.g.: Calling names, spread rumors or make insults
• Purposely excludes another from the group
• Damages the property of others
• Tells others not to befriend the person

How can you tell if someone is being bullied?

A person who is being bullied often:

• Is afraid to go to school
• Loses his belongings
• Is very anxious
• Has few friends
• Shows poor progress in school
• Comes home with torn clothes or injury

Can the bullies be helped?

Bullying is not something that one can outgrow by itself. Bullies can be helped by making them:

• Admit the problem
• Realize the consequences of their actions
• Change their bad behaviors and attitudes
• Learn better ways of handling anger and illustrations
• Seek advice from school counselors, religious teachers or doctors

Can bullying be avoided?

YES, it can!! Try these few tips:

• Avoid situations where you are alone with the bully
• Be with a group of friends when moving about
• Act brave, even if you are scared :
  • Stand straight and tall
  • Look at the bully in the eye

• If confronted by a group:
  • RUN!!! – There is nothing to be ashamed about
  • Get help from reliable adults

What can happen if you do not seek help?

The bully will end up with:

• Difficulties in making friends
• Inability to conform with rules and regulations
• Being expelled from school
• Psychiatric disorders e.g. antisocial personality

The victim will suffer from:

• School refusal
• Poor school performance
• Increased fearfulness and anxiety
  • Making them behave more timidly

• Feelings of inadequacy
  • Leading to low Self-esteem

• Depression
  • Leading to Suicide

Where can you get help?

You can seek help from your:

• Talk to someone you can trust e.g.:
  • Parents
  • Trusted family members
  • School counselors
  • Religious teachers

• Find someone who can:
  • Listen
  • Console
  • Give good advice

OR

Seek professional help from:

• Doctors
• Psychologists
• Psychiatrists