In the hallways of educational institutions, where learning and growth should thrive, an unwelcome shadow is lurking—a problem called bullying. This widespread problem has been an issue for a long period. Knowing the different types of bullying in schools is necessary for parents, educators, and the students themselves to act powerfully against it.

This article aims to shed light on different types of bullying in schools. It shall also provide simple steps to take powerful actions. From understanding the nuances of each type of bullying to executing solutions, we shall also shed light on the reasons behind this type of behaviour.

5 Types of Bullying in Schools

School bullying is not of one type but multiple types, its forms manifesting differently on its victims. Acknowledging these types is the first step toward addressing the problem.

1. Physical Bullying:

   In its most overt form, it involves the physical harming or threatening with acts such as hitting, kicking, or damaging personal belongings. Mostly, it is a form of bullying that occurs among young kids, but it can happen at any age.

2. Verbal Bullying:

   Words can be as damaging as physical actions. Imam Ali AS wisely said “Some words are more lethal than a fierce arrow”. Verbal bullying includes teasing, name-calling, insults, and spreading rumors. The emotional scars left by verbal bullying can be long-lasting, affecting a child’s self-esteem and mental well-being.

3. Social Bullying:

   The most insidious form is social bullying, where someone’s reputation or relationships are destroyed in a more subtle manner. It includes spreading rumors, exclusion from groups, and other tactics aimed at socially isolating the victim. Recognizing the subtle signs of social bullying is crucial for parents and school faculty to intervene and foster a more inclusive school culture.

4. Cyberbullying:

   The cyber age has brought bullying into the virtual realm, where harmful content is shared via social media, messaging platforms, or gaming surroundings. One of its important characteristics is that it is pervasive and perennially harmful. Parents and educators must stay informed about the latest online trends and actively monitor their children’s online activities.

5. Prejudicial Bullying:

   Prejudicial bullying targets individuals based on their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. Students are intimidated by receiving homophobic or racist remarks thrown at them.Parents should foster a friendly and respectable atmosphere at home to avoid such behaviour.

Reasons behind different types of bullying in schools-

Here are 5 reasons why bullies behave in a certain way. If we address the reasons, it becomes easier to implement actions for different types of bullying in schools.

1. Peer Pressure: Due to peer pressure and the urge to belong, students engage in bullying. Moreover, the desire to gain popularity or avoid becoming a target themselves, students begin to mistreat their peers.
2. Family Environment and Upbringing: The family environment plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s behavior. Children who witness aggressive or bullying behavior at home may emulate these actions in school. A lack of positive role models or proper guidance can also contribute to bullying.
3. Low Self-Esteem and Insecurity: Individuals with low self-esteem or feelings of insecurity may resort to bullying to dominate others and mask their own vulnerabilities.
4. Lack of Effective Communication Skills: Due to a lack of effective communication skills, bullying becomes a means to an end. Unable to express themselves in a healthy manner, emotions turn to aggression and intimidation.
5. Influence of Media: The media can also contribute to the prevalence of bullying. Negative portrayals and glorification of aggressive behavior in movies, television shows, and online platforms can shape children’s perceptions.

Powerful Actions: Moving Beyond Awareness

Fighting bullying requires a holistic approach involving all players in the school. Here are some strong things to do:

• Ensure Inclusive School Culture: There should be a culture of inclusivity in schools, where respect is promoted, and diversity is celebrated by all.  This can be achieved through constant awareness programs, teaching empathy and giving the students a platform for voicing out.
• Anti-bullying Policies: There should be clear, comprehensive anti-bullying policies, indicating the kind of behaviors that amount to bullying, consequences for the behavior, and procedures to take in terms of reporting and steps that are to be taken following an incident.
• Encouraging Bystander Intervention:One of the most effective ways to prevent bullying is through empowering bystanders to act. Bystander intervention training sessions equip students with methods to safely intervene when they witness bullying occurring.
• Have Support Systems in Place: The school is supposed to have mechanisms for support to the victim of bullying, which includes counseling, peer support groups, and counseling sessions. The victims need to feel heard, supported, and secure from being bullied again.
• Digital Citizenship Education: This is also becoming the need of the hour because. Certainly, cyberbullying is growing with time. Individuals should learn how to distinguish between knowledge and danger and protect themselves on the internet. It shall reduce the risks of the digital platform and cyberbullying.
• Engage the Parents or Guardians: Parents can go a long way in reducing the effects of bullying. They should be made aware of the policy, signs of it and how to help their children during difficult situations.

Conclusion

Often, we have learnt to turn a blind eye towards the weaker section. This results adversely where students are traumatized for life, plan revenge, or worse, take their own life. Till when will this go on?

Folks, students are the future of the nation and their well-being is our duty. It is the collective responsibility of schools and parents to address the different types of bullying in schools and take immediate actions. We need to accept that our children need help without their articulation of words. Parents are the strongest support system a child can receive. So, let us stand united against the shadows of bullying and give them our safety nets, bringing a smile on their faces!