Trigger warning: bullying, death by suicide
By Avni, Harshita Singh, and Spandan Tapader
The sky-high fees of schools these days are not unknown, but do parents spend their hard earned money just to find that their child is being bullied in school?
Bullying is not only physical, but also mental. It affects the victim’s and witness’s mental, emotional and physical health. Trinity College in Dublin, says, “There is a growing body of research which indicates that individuals, whether child or adult, who are persistently subjected to abusive behavior are at risk of stress related illness which can sometimes lead to suicide.”
Something leading someone to the brink of suicide is surely a matter of great concern and must be looked after. Our team recently interviewed school going students about their views on bullying.
Firstly we asked them if they had ever been bullied and to this replied in affirmative.
We then asked: There are many types of abuse and bullying that exist. What do you think how you were being harassed/abused and by which means (cyber or real time)?
And to this they replied, “It was real time and got harassed by those spoken teasing words only.”
How did you actually feel when you were being bullied?
To this, they replied by saying, “I felt as I was different a weird kind of not perfect to fit in this society.” Our interviewee also said that she was so traumatized that she even considered death thrice.
Who did you actually think to share this incident with when you first encountered it?
She initially couldn’t but then shared the incident with her siblings.
Do you think bullying could left a last long impression or mark on your behavior?
“Actually getting bullied does leave a remark in our behavior it just impel us to have a cold attitude and a mindset for not letting anyone enter. As a matter of fact it did leave an impression in a positive manner well it made me realize that people are people so are you and you have the same kind of potential and there are some not so nice people so just ignore them and enjoy your life.”
What are your views on bullying?
“If we ever notice anyone getting bullied in our surroundings instead of ignoring it we should raise our voice against it so that the one getting oppressed is saved from getting into depression and taking some not pleasant steps.”
How did your opinions change before and after being abused/bullied/harassed?
“This is a materialistic world and we have to know that we are perfect just the way we were we don’t actually have to change a thing to be fit for this society.”
So after all this we know how traumatizing it can be for someone who is bullied but now the question arises WHAT NOW?
Here are some key points that might help to fight bullying–
- Walk away. If the situation seems threatening or dangerous, it’s best to get away from the bully.
- Tell someone so the bully will stop. “It’s important to report bullying right away so that someone in authority can put a stop to it.”
- “Ask the bully to stop if you feel safe doing so. If you don’t feel physically threatened, using direct, assertive communication and body language is a good way to address a bully.”
- Stay calm. “It is the bully’s goal to get an emotional response out of you, so do your best to keep calm and avoid showing them how you feel.”