Meaning of bullying (what is it, concept and definition)

What is bullying:

The bullying or bullying school refers to a type of violent behavior and intimidation exerted verbal, physical or psychological way among children and adolescents during the school years.

It is a series of continuous mistreatments that are intentionally carried out by one or several aggressors, with the purpose of attacking, generating insecurity or hindering the victim's school performance.

The word bullying derives from English and can be translated into Spanish as 'bullying' or 'intimidation'.

The bullying practiced often against children or young people who are characterized by being obsequious, have difficulty defend themselves, have low self - esteem, be unsafe or because they differ from their peers for various reasons.

This type of abuse can occur in different places, such as in public spaces or parks, but it is fundamentally related to the school environment, so it affects children and adolescents in their relationships with their fellow students.

Generally, bullying begins with teasing that intensifies until, on many occasions, they lead to physical or verbal aggression that, as a consequence, generates psychological and emotional damage in the affected individual.

Likewise, bullying is related to the dynamics of abuse of power, through which one individual humiliates another to feel superior, for this he uses all kinds of assaults such as mockery, insults or physical abuse. As a result, the victim feels fearful of her attackers and seeks to avoid them.

It should be noted that bullying situations that take place outside the school environment, such as at work, spaces of human development or isolated episodes of abuse, are not called bullying . In such cases, the correct thing to do would be to talk about intimidation, harassment, abuse, vexation or rape.

Types of bullying

Below are the different types of bullying that exist:

• Verbal bullying : is characterized by the use of insults, ridicule, nicknames, gossip, rumors, threats and humiliations that affect the individual psychologically and lead to discrimination. Physical bullying : it is the most common among students. You includes all types of physical aggression such as hitting, kicking or shoving that can be executed by one or more assailants. Bullying social: is one that seeksisolate or exclude the child or adolescent in a social group. This is achieved through social or economic discrimination, indifferent treatment, among others. Ciberbullying: also known as cyberbullying. In this case, the aggressor uses social networks and other technological resources to harass the victim and send false messages. These communication channels are wideranging and messages spread faster. Bullying sexual: it is a type of sexual harassment or abuse of connotation, in the most serious cases. In this case, girls are generally the main victims, as well as homosexual individuals.

Characteristics of bullying

The main characteristics of bullying are the following:

• It can be carried out by an individual or a group of attackers. It is usually practiced for a certain period. The aggressor has a feeling of superiority, which is transmitted by submission or fear of the harassed individual. The most common forms in which it occurs are assaults., threats, insults, dirty games, cheating, nicknames, among others.

Consequences of bullying

Individuals who are victims of bullying may have some of the following symptoms:

• Sleep disturbances, Eating disorders, Irritability, Depression, Anxiety, Headache, Lack of appetite, Destructive thoughts, such as the desire to die

In many cases, victims must be brought to therapy to treat the psychological marks left by the assault.