Introduction to a Problem
Bullying can exist between countries, social classes and social groups. Sociologically, bullying is perceived as a problem resulting from dysfunctional structures within the family, school, church, workplace, as well as a natural consequence of peer and malicious groups.
Bullying takes all forms of collective violence carried out by relatively loosely linked or small groups usually ten to fifteen children in a class against a single individual in the class. It is noted that this hurtful aggression can be either psychological or physical and is done by either an individual or group. It is distinguishable from other forms of aggression due to the three components: has to be motiveless, repetitive and done by an individual who is stronger than their target. Hence, it includes any action or disguised action projected to cause grief and dread (Banks 54-56).
Bullying as a Problem
Bullying is a significant problem in society because it is prevalent. This is evident in the research carried out by a British national agency known as Kidscape which discovered that 68% of all children in school have experienced bullying at least once while 38% have experienced at least twice and 8% had had bullying to an extent of contemplating over suicide, being chronologically ill or feeling like running away. Similarly, an analysis of workplace bullying in 1997, revealed that greater than a half of the correspondents to have been victims. In addition, the significance of bullying is in its consequences. This stems from the fact that it is directly linked to acts such as hooliganism, vandalism and domestic violence. The aggressive behavior tends to build up which result in many adulthood behaviors such as alcohol abuse, convictions, employment problems, psychiatric breakdown, child care problems and marital breakdown.
Already conducted researchers have shown that adult bullies have authoritarian personalities which drive them towards the domineering character hence the need to control their victims. A prejudicial perception of those in power over their subordinates also distinguishes the traits of bullies in the workplace, schools, and families. The issue of bullying has gotten worse despite efforts to curb it. Bullies are motivated by antipathy and jealousy towards their targets. By demeaning others, the bully feels empowered (Banks 64).
Further, some researchers conceive that bullying is motivated by other factors such as personality disorder, depression, and quickness to use strength and anger. Further, addiction to aggressive behaviors, concern with preserving and maintaining a self-image, mistaking others actions as unreceptive, and engaging in rigid or infatuated actions motivate the bullies. It is noted that bullying has its origin in childhood; therefore, changing the perception of bullies is very hard since it is inclined in their mind. This is in the sense that individuals who are inclined to bullying in their childhood mature with this character into adulthood. It has been argued that, if childhood aggressive behaviors are not challenged at that tender age, it is perilous since they may become consistent. Thus, childhood bullying makes children vulnerable to domestic violence and criminal behavior when they mature. This shows a higher relationship between childhood bully victims and adult bullies in the society.
Effects of Constant Bullying
Bullying effects range from serious to fatal. It is noted that several suicides result as an effect of bullying activities. In the United Kingdom, there are estimated suicide cases between fifteen to twenty-five children per annum. However other painful aspects involve its ruthlessness. Constant bullying drives the victim into constant fear. In school, bullied girls and guys may find their health and schoolwork suffering. Stress that crops up may cause detrimental health complications such as diarrhea and stomach pains. In addition, individuals that experience peer bullying are susceptible to mental health complications such as stress, anxiety, low self-esteem or depression. This works in line with triggering emotions. Bullying makes an individual feel lonely, frightened and unhappy. It instills the feeling of insecurity and downgrading of one’s ability to relate and coexist in a hostile environment. In case of school bullying, there are reported school dropouts and poor performance. At work, places decreased performance and dissemination of information constitute consequences of bullying (Lumsden 75).
Bullying not only affects the victims but the bullies are at risk for problems. Since bullying is violent behavior, it shapes the person’s behavior in a more violent way as they grow up. Research shows that at least one out of four low-level school bullies usually have a criminal record in their future. They face rejection by peers and loss of friends as they age. Poor performance in schools and workplace are recorded due to lack of concentration and cooperation among the affected group. Also, there is a degradation of relationship and loss of career opportunities that other people enjoy (Banks 87-91).
Conclusion
The pressure to conform to prescribed behavioral norms through regulations and rules should be lessened in school in order to curb teacher-student bullying. Study of Japan’s education system which heavily relies on authoritarian rule shows the detrimental effects of this system. In this case, the student is not allowed to ask a question which infringes their freedom of expression even when they are mistreated. Assessing corporal punishment among schools that has been abolished can be used as an indicator to ascertain the quality of student-teacher relationship and its relationship to peer bullying among the students. Incorporation of peer counseling and anti-bullying education are used as means to curb peer bullying. However, it becomes effective only when one bully is involved. So in my opinion schools should be more strict on bullies and they should impose some type of punishment and incentives so pupils don’t bully people as it doesn’t help you or anyone else in any shape or form.
