B

ullying can happen to anyone. Mostly, it happens to young people between eight and 14, usually in school. Bullying is the act of doing harm and violence to another who is considered weaker. Perpetrators have power and use it to intimidate others.

Anyone can be a perpetrator or a victim. People who think they are stronger than others can be bullies.

If a person who thinks he or she has influence or power, they can bully those around him or her.

There are several types of bullying

Verbal bullying includes name calling, taunting, cruel criticism, abusive phone calls and extortion of lunch money, among other things. It is the most common form of bullying.

It is also the easiest form. It is common among junior and senior high school students and is easy to do. All it takes is saying something harmful or violent to someone.

Physical bullying includes kicking, pushing, punching, slapping, hitting and other forms of physical contact. Physical bullies use their power to hurt others. This type of bullying is the most dangerous type of bullying because it can hurt the victim physically.

Relational bullying includes ignoring, isolating, excluding and spreading rumors, among other things, about a person.

Bullying can happen anywhere and at anytime that there is opportunity.

Nowadays, bullying can be done anonymously. People can use the Internet to “cyberbully” someone, a type of verbal bullying where the perpetrator need not be in physical contact with their victims.

Bullying will always happen as long as there are people who find it fun. Bullies like to see the reaction of their victims.

It is very unfortunate that sometimes, victims of bullying do not realize that they have been victimized. Even teachers or parents sometimes do not know that their children are the victims of bullying.

Teachers and parents can take action to protect children from bullying.

Parents can help their children simply by talking to them. Parents can ask indirectly, particularly if their children are reluctant to talk about bullying with their parents.

Parents can ask that teachers prevent children from being bullied at schools. Teachers have a responsibility to stop bullies from victimizing other children.

Ferina Aprilla
Jakarta