The Most Dangerous Types of Bullying
Bullying manifests in various forms and styles. Below are some of the most critical and dangerous types:
Verbal Bullying
Verbal bullying involves the use of harmful words, phrases, and insults aimed at establishing power and control over the victim. It often seeks to demean and belittle others. Due to the lack of tangible evidence, verbal bullying can be challenging to prove. However, it is crucial to acknowledge its serious psychological consequences and address it appropriately.
Physical Bullying
Physical bullying is one of the most common forms of bullying, particularly among school-aged children and adolescents. Such bullying may include kicking, obstructing paths, hitting, pushing, tripping, and unwanted touching. Often, physical bullies exhibit greater strength, size, and aggression compared to their peers.
These bullies frequently use physical violence to demonstrate their dominance over their targets. Effective strategies to mitigate this type of bullying include avoiding confrontation, discussing the issue with adults or authority figures, seeking assistance, and building self-esteem.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying refers to bullying that occurs through the internet or electronic platforms. This type involves inflicting harm on someone by disseminating hurtful messages, lies, and rumors via emails, texts, and social media posts. Such messages often create an atmosphere filled with hostility and intolerance.
To reduce cyberbullying, especially among children, parents can establish household rules for safe internet usage. It’s essential to familiarize oneself with popular websites and applications that could potentially be harmful before allowing children to use them. Monitoring online activities and educating children on how to respond (or not respond) to cyberbullying incidents is also essential.
Sexual Bullying
Sexual bullying occurs when an individual is targeted through sexual harassment, either through actions or derogatory language. This may include sharing sexual expressions, rude comments, vulgar insinuations, unwanted touching, sexual propositions, and exposure to pornography. Sexual bullies might make inappropriate remarks about a peer’s appearance, attractiveness, or sexual behavior.
In many instances, sexual bullying can lead to sexual assault (such as rape), with girls often being the targets of such behavior from boys or even other girls. Boys may engage in inappropriate touching or make indecent remarks, while girls can also be complicit by making disparaging comments about a friend’s appearance or body shape.