School is starting again, and the problems will resurface where they were left off. Bullying is one of the biggest issues faced by children and teenagers in schools, having a profound negative impact on both victims and aggressors. Bullying is not only manifested through physical aggression, but also through subtle forms of psychological or verbal abuse, such as social exclusion, insults, or threats. The consequences of this form of violence are long-lasting and affect not only the victims but also the aggressors or bystanders. In this context, the involvement of adults—parents, teachers, and school counselors—is essential for the effective management of bullying.
Negative Effects on Victims
Bullying victims often face serious mental and emotional health issues. Low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression are common long-term effects of bullying. Children who are constantly bullied at school may come to believe that they are inferior or deserve the abuse, affecting their ability to develop healthy relationships and social integration. In extreme cases, bullying can lead to thoughts or even suicide attempts, a worrying reality that underscores the seriousness of the phenomenon.
From an academic perspective, bullying affects the concentration and academic performance of victims. The fear of going to school and constant anxiety interfere with their ability to focus on lessons, which can lead to lower grades and even school dropout. Additionally, victims may develop physical problems (somatic symptoms) such as stomach aches, headaches, or insomnia, caused by constant stress.
The Aggressor – Victim of Other Traumas?
Although it is easy to view aggressors (boys or girls!) as simply "bad," the reality is often much more complex. In many cases, aggressors are also victims of traumas, either in the family environment or in other social contexts.
Children who exhibit bullying behaviors may come from dysfunctional families where physical or verbal violence is present. In these cases, the aggressor internalizes the behavior patterns observed at home and reproduces them in interactions with schoolmates.
Additionally, aggressors may suffer from a lack of affection and emotional support in the family, leading them to seek validation through acts of power and control over others. Some of them may themselves be victims of harassment, either as part of a past experience or as an ongoing situation, through direct blackmail or group pressure.
In this way, bullying becomes a mechanism through which these children try to hide their vulnerabilities and seek attention or respect, even through negative means. Adult involvement is essential to identify these traumas and intervene before this aggressive behavior escalates.
The Role of Teachers and Parents
Teachers play a crucial role in preventing and combating bullying. Often, teachers are the first to notice signs of aggression among students, whether it is changes in behavior or tense interactions. Unfortunately, there are cases where bullying is overlooked or minimized, exacerbating the suffering of victims and giving the impression that aggressors go unpunished.
Therefore, teachers need to be well-prepared to identify and manage cases of bullying. It is important for them to encourage a climate of respect and inclusion in the classroom, to be attentive to the dynamics of relationships between students, and to intervene promptly when they observe inappropriate behavior.
In addition, teachers must work closely with school counselors and parents to provide support to both victims and aggressors.
Parental involvement is equally important (or even more important). Both the parents of victims and aggressors need to be aware of the seriousness of bullying and collaborate with the school to find solutions. Parents should pay attention to signs of emotional distress in their child and encourage open communication, so they can intervene in time.
Possible Solutions for Managing the Bullying Crisis
To effectively combat bullying, an integrated approach involving both students and adults in the community is essential. Here are some possible solutions that can contribute to managing the crisis:
- Education and Awareness: organizing workshops and information sessions for students, parents, and teachers about the consequences of bullying and the importance of mutual respect. These activities can help develop empathy and change attitudes towards violence.
- Rapid Intervention: teachers and school staff need to intervene promptly when they observe cases of bullying. This may include disciplinary measures, as well as counseling for both the victim and the aggressor to prevent recurrence.
- Psychological Support: psychological counseling is essential for both victims and aggressors. Victims need support to rebuild their self-confidence, while aggressors need help to understand the causes of their behavior and develop healthy ways to express their frustrations.
- Creating a Safe Environment: schools need to be safe environments for all students. This can be achieved by implementing clear anti-bullying policies that are strictly enforced. Additionally, peer mediation programs can be an effective solution to resolve conflicts before they escalate.
- Collaboration with Parents: parents need to be actively involved in managing bullying. Open communication with the school, participation in information sessions, and providing emotional support to the child are important steps in this direction.
Bullying in schools is a complex issue that profoundly affects the emotional and social health of children. The active involvement of teachers, parents, and school counselors is crucial to prevent and manage this phenomenon. Additionally, we must recognize that aggressors can themselves be victims of traumas and offer support to both them and the victims. Through awareness, rapid intervention, and psychological support, we can contribute to creating a safer and more empathetic school environment for all students.