Bullying is a tale as old as time. In the 21st century, cyberbullying is one of the many pitfalls in the new age of technology, but it remains the same at its core. Bullying may vary in how it’s played out, but it all boils down to the same intimidating behaviors. Using harmful actions, images, or words against someone because of any characteristic about them is bullying, physically or mentally. 

We must understand the dynamics of bullying in order to have a larger understanding of this pressing issue. In order for bullying to occur, there has to be a power dynamic within the harmful bullying relationship. The bully has to have some form of power over the victim. This power can range from authoritative power, popularity, or access to forms of intimidation . As a result of this uneven power balance, the target can have difficulty stopping the harmful action being inflicted. 

When most people see bullying occur, they know something wrong is happening. They are aware of the situation and can understand what’s going on. It’s very easy to say you would do something if the time came, but in stressful situations such as these, adolescents in the heat of the moment might not always do the right thing. But what exactly is stopping people from telling a bully to stop picking on others? The fear of what could happen to them. Would they be next in line? It’s the fear of standing up because you may run the risk of standing out.

Now, we all get scared. We aren’t robots programmed to be devoid of emotion. But in dire cases such as these, choosing to be an onlooker who turns their eye can  bring serious harm to the victim. For starters, the bully can tease and mock as they please in confidence because they are aware nobody will intervene. Over time, the bullying will only increase until the target reaches a breaking point. Secondly, with bullying like this in a school, it fosters a toxic environment because bullying is being normalized instead of taboo. Making a personal choice to only be an onlooker and stand down brings no good, it only brings about a negative domino effect. 

According to the National Bullying Center, ⅕ (20.2%) of students reported they had been bullied in 2019. Even one student being bullied is far too many. And of all the people who have reported bullying, imagine the bullying that has yet to be reported in schools nationwide (for a variety of reasons)? 

Many cases of bullying in school occur due to characteristics one may have that cannot be changed, physically, psychologically or mentally. As a result, this can make the target feel hopeless because they are being bullied for things they didn’t choose to have and cannot change. This over time can instill self hatred and insecurity. 

Bullying as we all know brings about nothing good except cruel and vain satisfaction to the bully. The short and long term effects are very serious. Victims of bullying have a very high risk of depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, dropping out of school, and low academic achievement. The mental and behavioral issues bullying can cause are no joke and can leave permanent marks. They can completely change how the views life, relationships, school, and themselves.

A cheap laugh, satisfaction, or a feeling of superiority should never be at the expense of someone’s pain. Everyone in this world is going through the motions of life. We are all experiencing our highs and lows in this world, and bullying is a low no one deserves.  Being good to everyone no matter who they are makes our journey in life all the easier. If you see somebody being bullied, whether it be small teasing or getting physical; speak up and support the target in any way you can. Tell as many people who can effect a change so it can be addressed. Being called a loser or lame is nothing compared to what will continue happening to a target of bullying if you or those around you stay silent.

If  you’re struggling with bullying, see these sources:

https://www.stopbullying.gov 

https://www.doe.mass.edu/sfs/bullying/ 

https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/get-help-now 

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/bullying/