Causes of Bullying
Bullying in schools continue to be very prevalent today especially with the emergence of social media like Facebook. Brandi is just one in hundreds of students who are victims of bullying through social media. This essay aims to take a closer look at the reasons why bullies exist and what causes their behavior.
Why does a child resort to bullying? There are several causes why a child becomes a bully. One reason why a child bullies is because he belongs to a dysfunctional family. Children who come from this type of family often do not feel love, care and respect at home. It is also possible that the bullies mimic what they see at home. Their parents either abuse them, do not discipline them or spoil them. A bully may be a powerless child, that is, a child who feels scared at home; the forgotten child, a child who does not feel loved and wanting for affection; the entitled child, that is, a child who gets everything he wants and lastly the child who lacks empathy, that is, a child who is possessive and yearns for power.
There are times when a bully’s behavior get rewarded that is why some bullies keep on doing it. The reward comes from being able to get money, lunch or belongings. But a more important reward for most bullies is the popularity, attention and power that they gain.
Another reason why some children become bullies is because they have a low self-esteem. Their outward behavior is just a cover-up of their lack of self-confidence. There are instances when bullies are ridiculed by their parents and siblings; thus, they vent their anger on others. Dr. Hurley claims that some bullies are victims of bullying themselves.
A brain scan study reveals that bullies lack the ability to self-regulate their emotions. There are bullies who cannot control their anger and frustration that is why they are easily provoked and they sometimes overreact.
Having an unsupportive peer network may be another cause of bullying behavior. Because a child feels isolated and disliked, he has the wrong notion that if he can control other kids, he will gain more friends.
No parent wants their child to be the object of bullying in school. Parents, teachers and school administrators should work hand in hand to prevent incidences of bullying in school. The school should have a clear and firm policy of zero tolerance against bullying. The school should create a bullying intervention committee which will handle all cases of bullying. This committee should be specifically trained to identify and mediate on cases of bullying. Anyone caught bullying should be reprimanded and given the appropriate punishment. Parents must also be informed immediately. A positive approach to the prevention of bullying in schools is to teach students to develop empathy toward others. The negative effects of bullying must be inculcated to students so that they will realize the gravity of such a behavior. Students must be aware that bullying have long-term effects such as psychological disorders, self-destructive behavior and it may lead to alcohol or substance abuse. Students must be encouraged to report bullying incidents, whether they are the victims or they are simply observers.
“Bullies are not born, they are raised”. Bullying is therefore not a biological disorder. It is an acquired behavior which can be learned at an early age, but can be undone through the guidance of the parents and the other adults which have an influence on the child, like the teacher and school administrators. It imperative to not that it is not only the victim of bullying who needs help, the bully needs to be given the proper support too.
References
Gross, G. (2014, December 14). What causes your child to become a bully? Retrieved from Huffpost Parents: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-gail-gross/what-causes-your-child-to_b_5980002.html
Hurley, K. (2012, April 17). Bullies are not born, they are raised. Retrieved from KevinMD.com: http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2012/04/bullies-born-raised.html
Nobullying.com. (2015, December 22). Common causes of bullying. Retrieved from Nobullying.com: http://nobullying.com/common-causes-of-bullying/
Sognonvi, S. S., & Sognonvi, C. (2016). Why do bullies bully? The Top 5 reasons why people bully others. Retrieved from Urban Martial Arts: http://www.urbandojo.com/2010/06/16/bullying-reasons-why-do-people-bully-others-why-do-bullies-bully/
Urbana Middle School. (2011, February 4). Causes and effects of bullying. Retrieved from Urbana Middle School: http://umshw.usd116.org/groups/stellarbullyproject/wiki/542c3/Causes_and_Effects_of_Bullying.html
