Can the same thing happen to me? Will I also get bullied for speaking up? These are some of the questions those who witness bullying ask themselves.
Bullying is the action of physically or psychologically targeting a student through insults, mockery, blows, and humiliation. It is a prevalent societal issue that has been on the rise in recent years and, in some cases, is overlooked for various reasons.
Identifying and fighting against bullying has become a higher priority in today’s society. Although the issue has recently become especially sensitive, there are several ways to combat it, such as internal measures in schools or even legislature.
Fear, sadness, and loneliness are indicators that someone is a victim of bullying. Therefore, providing and fostering safe spaces can be a tool to help the fight against this endemic societal issue.
However, not only bullies directly contribute to this issue: those who laugh at the bully’s actions, who do not oppose, or who turn a blind eye to the victim and do not ask for help from an authority figure at school are bystanders who also contribute to the situation.
Understandably, it is normal not to want to confront the bully for fear of what may happen to you, but you can intervene in several ways, such as:
- Confront the bully. Emphasize that what they are doing is incorrect, making the aggressor think twice about their actions.
- Seek out a trusted school authority figure and tell them about the situation.
- Talk to the victim. Ask how they feel and offer help.
And remember, in no case is the victim to blame for the situation they are experiencing.
