Taking Active Steps Toward Bullying Prevention
Whether in person or online, our society has become increasingly intertwined. Even though we now have more ways to connect with people through social media, texts, calls, or video chats, these same means of connection can also cause us to feel distant from one another. One area where this is keenly seen is with regard to bullying. Bullying is one such way in which people ignore the basic needs, dignity, and humanity of others. Bullying affects both adults and children, leading to feelings of isolation, anxiety, low self-esteem, and even depression. Richardson Christian Counseling supports individuals who are struggling with the emotional effects of bullying, offering compassionate care grounded in faith and healing. When it comes to children, bullying most often happens at school, but it also can take place online as well. Those who are more at risk of being bullied are: People who are considered weak or unable to defend themselves Those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, and two-spirit People who are perceived as being different based on their weight, what they wear, or their social status Those who have a physical, mental, or intellectual disability Bullying Prevention by Understanding Bullying To develop effective strategies to prevent bullying, we must understand the nature of bullying. According to the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), bullying is characterized by the following: Intentional It is unwanted, aggressive behavior that is intended to cause emotional or physical harm. Repeated Unwanted behavior is repeated multiple times or has the likelihood of being repeated many times. Power imbalance Bullying involves an imbalance of power between the target and perpetrator(s) based on a person’s weight, real or perceived race, color, national origin, religion or religious practices, disability ethnic group, sexual orientation, gender, physical appearance, sex, or other distinguishing characteristics. [...]