Bullying

Peers are very important in your life. With friends, you learn a lot of things, including how to be kind and work together. Friends’ influence starts early and grows over time. As you become more independent from your parents and figure out who you are, friends become your main support and make you feel like you belong. It is normal, healthy, and important to have and rely on friends as you grow up. But just as good friendships can help a lot, bad relationships with peers can cause a lot of stress.

Bullying is when someone experiences repeated aggression or intimidation from peers or groups. This can happen in many ways: physically, like pushing or breaking things; verbally, with insults or mean jokes; psychologically, when you’re excluded or are the target of rumors; and digitally, known as cyberbullying. Being bullied is often quite unpleasant, and it naturally affects your self-esteem, confidence, and even your academic performance. It’s natural to feel sad, angry, scared, or insecure in these situations. No one deserves to go through this alone, and if it’s happening to you, know that it’s not your fault.

What is typical?

Growing up, you might face painful or embarrassing moments, and most of us have been teased. Learning to bounce back from these moments is important because what we are teased about does not define us as people. But bullying should not be ignored because it can cause lasting emotional harm.

Teasing becomes bullying when:

• There’s a power difference(someone stronger, more popular, or richer picks on someone weaker).
• There’s an intention to harm(physical or verbal threats, rumors, or exclusion).
• It happens repeatedlyand can last for days, weeks, months, or even years.
• It causes harm(affects well-being or daily activities at school, at home, and in everyday life).

Why people bully:

• To fit in with others who are bullying.
• Because they are bullied themselves.
• To get attention.
• Because they are impulsive and do not know how to control it.
• Because they think others are mean even when they are not.
• Because they do not understand how their actions hurt others.

What is cyberbullying?

Bullying can be verbal, physical, or online (cyberbullying). We connect and make friends online, but bad behavior happens there too. Cyberbullying is like regular bullying but happens online, using threats, aggression, humiliation, or exclusion. It can be through memes, montages, or exposure, and it happens repeatedly.

Cyberbullying can be done by one person or a group, using emails, social media, or chat rooms. The bully doesn’t face the victim directly and often hides behind a fake name. They can hurt their victims anytime and expose them to many people.

When should I be concerned?

Bullying is always a concern, whether you see it, are a victim, or are a bully. All these situations are bad and need attention because they can lead to:

Problems caused by bullying:

• Sadness, anxiety, or depression.
• Isolation and loneliness.
• Physical injuries or damaged belongings.
• Headaches, stomachaches, pretending to be sick to avoid school.
• Lower grades, less interest in school.
• Trouble sleeping, bad dreams.
• Changes in eating (not eating or overeating).
• Self-injury, running away, thoughts of suicide.
• Being aggressive, starting fights.

It’s important not to handle bullying alone. Asking for help is key to stopping it and helping everyone involved.

What can I do if I (or a friend) struggle?

If you see bullying, are a victim, or are involved in bullying, ask for help. Here are some steps:

1. Ask a trusted adult: Talk to a parent, family member, or caregiver. They can listen and help you find solutions.
2. Talk to a teacher: Teachers often notice what’s happening between students.
3. Talk to school staff: If you’re not comfortable talking to a teacher, find another adult at school you trust.
4. Avoid reacting violently,as this can make things worse.

If you are being bullied, try these things:

1. Practice assertiveness: Practice being confident, not aggressive. Rehearse what to say and do with someone you trust.
2. Find allies: Talk to friends about how to handle the situation. Being with friends can help you feel safer and less alone.
3. Join activities: Doing things you enjoy and are good at can boost your confidence. This could be physical exercise, a craft, learning an instrument, or joining other groups.
4. Write or draw about your feelings.This can help organize your thoughts and reduce anxiety.

Remembering that bullying isn’t your fault is essential to feeling more confident. Asking for help early is an important step toward regaining emotional well-being.

What kind of professional support can I seek out?

It’s common to feel embarrassed, inadequate, or guilty if you are facing bullying. But support is available.

School psychologistsand other professionals at your school should be available to help you. Doctors like pediatricians, general practitioners, or professionals at your nearest Basic Health Unit (UBS)can also help. They can refer you to other specialists, including mental health professionals. The most important thing is to remember that you don’t have to go through this alone and that there are people and professionals ready to support you, helping you feel safe, confident, and loved!

Public services are also available through the Unified Health System (SUS). You can find support at places like your local Basic Health Unit (UBS), Child and Adolescent Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS i), and public outpatient clinics.