Understand and learn how to stop bullying and cyberbullying
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The phenomenon of bullying is not new. It can take place in an office or school, and continue online. Dr Tan Hwee Sim, Specialist in Psychiatry & Consultant, Raffles Counselling Centre explains the differences, its effects and tips to manage bullies.
What is Bullying
- Physical aggression such as punching, hitting or rough pushing
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Verbal attacks such as spreading cruel rumours, making unfair or ridiculing comments
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Emotional bullying such as excluding one from group play or other activities, putting him/ her down in front of peers/ colleagues
What is Cyberbullying
- Flaming: Online “fighting” via electronic messages
- Harassment & Cyberstalking: Repeatedly sending malicious messages or threats
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Denigration: Distributing derogatory and untrue information about someone
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Outing and Trickery: Tricking someone into revealing secrets or embarrassing information
Negative Association of Bullying
Bullying has a negative impact on all parties involved. For the bullied, these devastating effects can last a lifetime. For the bully, they may also have underlying issues that need addressing.
The Bullied
- Change in behaviour or personality e.g. loss of interest in food or activities they used to enjoy
- Difficulty sleeping or has nightmares
- Feels sad, lonely and withdrawn
- Feels reluctant to go to school or work due to fear
- Sudden deterioration in school or work performance
- Develop, depression or anxiety, or suicidal thoughts
The Bully
- Likelihood of alcohol, drug abuse or criminal convictions
- Involve in fights and vandalism
- Feels disconnected from school or workplace
- Tend to be abusive towards their family or friends
- Morally disengaged. Lacked the necessary empathy to see the negative impact their own behaviour on others.
5 Tips to stop bullying:
- Adopt assertive body language such as standing tall or saying no in a firm voice
- Avoid unsupervised areas where bullying occurs and stay with friends or in a group
- Talk to a trusted adult or superior
- Avoid fighting back unless there’s no other options to protect yourself
- Leave the scene if you are at risk of getting hurt
6 Tips to stop cyberbullying:
- Don’t respond to rude messages
- Don’t share personal information or password with friends
- Keep a record of the evidence if you are bullied online
- Contact site provider if inappropriate material is being posted
- Block the bully and avoid opening unknown messages
- Seek help from someone you trust