Bullying occurs when an individual seeks to harm, intimated or coercer someone else to do something.  The other party is usually the vulnerable or weaker one.

The person that bullies someone is called a bully. A bully seeks to oppress the other party and tyrannize him. He torments, intimidate, subjugate and pressurize the victim.  A bully is a weakling in a way; he does not attack strong people, but goes after the weak. When he sees a strong person, he cows and become feeble-minded.   

A bully does not recognize peace in an individual. When he sees a peaceful or calm person, the only thought on his mind is how to oppress that person. He does not believe in a peaceful coexistence; rather, he seeks to override, subjugate and dominate the peaceful. A bully sees peace as a sign of weakness.   

How prevalent is bullying especially in schools?  We will provide helpful answers to this question below

School bullying

Bullying is a threat in schools and even out of the schools.  A responsible parent, teacher and government will not overlook this menace. The psychological effect of bullying can be damaging.

A bully is able to persist in his activities mostly because the victim is too scared to report or defend himself.  Be that as it may, the victim of the bully will display some behaviors that can hint an observant parent, guardian or teacher about what that victim is going through.

This is why it is very important for teachers and everyone in charge of these kids to pay a close attention to their behaviors so that changes in behaviors can be noticed fast.  

Bullying prevalence 

In Edo State, for example, up to seventy-eight percent (78%) of the children revealed that they have been bullied at least once in their lifetime, while up to seventy-one percent (71%) of the students involved in the research accepted that they have bullied someone before.  

Studies also show that boys are more involved in bullying than girls. Also, girls fall within the category of victims of bullying than boys.  Going further, studies revealed that bullying is more common in government schools as against private schools.

Additionally, kicking in the playground occurred more in private schools than government schools. While bullying take place more in the playground in private schools, it takes place more in the classroom in government schools.

Psychological effects of bullying

The psychological effects of bullying can be categories into short-term and long-term effects.  However, the short-term and long-term effects can occur on both the bully and the victim.  

Short term effects on the victim

The behaviors of the victim can vary.  The bullying activities can persist for a very long time unreported. This is because the victim is scared by the consequences of reporting the bully. Such a fear can be a as result of the thoughts and words put into the mind of the victim by the bully.

Bullies can only persist for long if they threaten their victims with greater danger if he ever reports.  Some of the effects of bullying on the victor are:

·         Social isolation

·         Higher risk of illness

·         Bedwetting

·         Symptoms of anxiety

·         School avoidance

·         Low self-esteem

·         Changes in eating habits

·         Sleep disturbance

·         Feeling of shame

·         Symptoms of depression

·         Poor school performance

·         Psychosomatic symptoms like muscle aches, headaches and stomachaches

Short term effects of bullying on the bully

Even the bully is not left out of the effects of bullying and some of the sort term effects are:

·         Poor school performance since he can miss classes consequence of being suspended

·         Increased risk of substance abuse

·          Difficult in maintaining normal social relationship

·         Increased risk of truancy 

Long term effects of bullying on the victim

If the bullying issue is not resolved fast, it can lead to unfavorable long term effect on the person.  Some of the long term effects are:

·         Chronic depression

·         Substance abuse

·         Increased risk of suicidal plans, thoughts and attempts

·         Self destructive behaviors

·         Poor general health

·          Anxiety disorders

Long term effects of bullying on the bully

If he is not reported early enough, bullying can have the following effect on the bully:

·         Less likelihood of employment or education

·         Substance abuse

·         Risk of antisocial behaviors

·         Risk of child or spousal abuse

The effects of bullying on children can be detrimental. It can negatively impact their growth and development.  This is why they need instant intervention from the moment you discover that they are undergoing bullying.  Only teachers cannot stem the tide of bullying; everyone needs to work together to put it under control.

So, parents, teachers, communities and the government must be committed to ending it. A bullied child can rarely attain his potentials in life if the issue is not resolved fast.

Education and observation    

Education can help a lot in putting an end to bullying.  Parents and teachers should not wait until their kids report a bully. Rather, they should prepare the kid against eventualities. The best way to do this is to get the child educated by telling him the importance of reporting anyone that bullies him.  This way, the child will not be held down by the threats of a bully.

It will not be a bad idea if schools add such an education to the school curriculum. It will help the child to get mentally prepared against the activities of a bully.  Aside from reporting to an adult, kids can also be taught how to stand up for themselves and confront their bullies.

This can only be possible if the kid has self confidence. So, parents and teachers should work together to build confidence in the kids. It will help them in the days of need.

Furthermore, parents, guidance, teachers and even members of the community should be on the lookout for signs of bullying. Once they notice a social isolation, depression, substance abuse, poor school performance or any other sign that the individual is being bullied, they should find a way to investigate the matter until they find out what may be the cause. 

To be able to handle their part properly, the teachers, guardians, parents and community need to be sensitized about the various signs of bullying.        

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