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At its core, bullying stems from a power imbalance, where the aggressor seeks control over the victim, who is often unable to effectively resist. This power dynamic can result in symptoms like anger, low self-confidence, poor academic or professional performance, social withdrawal, increased screen time, and sleep disruptions. To explore more about bullying types and notable cases, read on.
Physical bullying involves the direct use of violence and force to inflict harm and intimidate others. This form of bullying manifests visibly, resulting in bruises, scratches, wounds, fractures, headaches, and stomachaches.
Common acts of physical bullying include hitting, kicking, pushing, spitting, biting, slapping, and punching. It also encompasses assault with stones, weapons, or sharp tools, such as knives, and extends to the destruction or theft of personal property.
Verbal bullying is characterised by the use of offensive and harsh language intended to embarrass, humiliate, harm, and emotionally distress the victim. This form of bullying includes insults, derogatory names, threats, sarcasm, racially insensitive jokes or comments about appearance, skin colour, gender, or race. It also involves shouting, interruption during speech, and obstructing the victim’s right to express themselves freely.
Unlike physical bullying, verbal bullying lacks tangible evidence, making it challenging to prove. Bullies often disguise their actions as harmless jokes or friendly banter.
Psychological bullying employs non-verbal tactics to undermine an individual’s mental health and emotional well-being. This includes behaviours such as humiliation, frustration, threats, control, disdainful glances, ridicule, and psychological manipulation. Techniques may involve inducing guilt, blaming, and diminishing the value of the victim's emotions.
Note: While verbal bullying and psychological bullying are often confused, they are distinct forms of harassment. Verbal bullying relies on words and verbal expressions to inflict harm, whereas psychological bullying involves non-verbal tactics aimed at damaging the victim’s mental and emotional state.
Social bullying leverages influence and social dynamics to damage the victim's reputation and isolate them. This form of bullying includes inciting others to avoid the victim, spreading false rumours, publicly embarrassing them, excluding them from social activities, ignoring their presence, and showing disinterest.
A 2022 study published in Frontiers in Psychology examined 552 university students and found that those who experienced social bullying were more likely to engage in risky behaviours and develop internet gaming addictions. This tendency was attributed to their desire for isolation and avoidance of frustration and sadness. Additionally, the study linked these behaviours to a reduced susceptibility to suicidal thoughts.
Cyberbullying occurs through digital platforms, including the internet, social media, text messages, forums, and various applications. It involves disseminating offensive content, such as photos or personal information, or impersonating others. The objective is to intimidate, embarrass, insult, anger, and shame victims, spread false rumours, or exclude them from online communities.
Bullying remains a critical global issue, particularly in schools, necessitating a unified approach to address it effectively. A 2018 UNICEF (the United Nations Children’s Fund) report highlights that approximately one in three students aged 13-15 worldwide encounters bullying within educational environments.
In response, the United Arab Emirates has demonstrated a strong commitment to student psychological well-being and mental health. Collaborating with the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, the Department of Education and Knowledge, and the UNICEF Gulf Area Office, the UAE Ministry of Education has introduced the guidelines "Addressing Bullying in Schools." These guidelines are designed to equip educators and specialists with strategic approaches to manage and mitigate bullying incidents, focusing on student education and social skills enhancement to prevent such behaviour.
Additionally, the UAE has released the “Guide for Parents on Anti-Bullying.” This resource helps parents recognise the signs and types of bullying, assess whether their child may be affected, and provides practical strategies to address and diminish its impact effectively.
To effectively address and mitigate the impacts of bullying, it is essential to avoid direct confrontations or arguments with bullies, whether in person or online. Demonstrating weakness or fear should be avoided, and instead, engaging in activities that foster happiness and personal fulfilment is recommended. Developing skills and talents is also beneficial, and seeking support from reliable individuals or authorities when necessary is crucial.
The family plays a pivotal role in tackling bullying by educating children about its various forms and appropriate responses. Open communication and support are fundamental, including attentively listening to their daily experiences both at school and elsewhere. This support extends to understanding their social interactions, whether with friends in person or online, and monitoring their use of digital platforms and applications.
References
[1] verywellmind.com, What Are the Different Types of Bullying?
[2] prevnet.ca, Types of Bullying
[3] u.ae, سلامة الأطفال
[4] verywellmind.com, How to Deal With Bullying
[5] preventingbullying.promoteprevent.org, What is bullying?
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