October marks National Bullying Awareness Month, and as a clinician working with clients struggling with eating disorders, I see the effects of bullying every day. Bullying causes its victims to feel insecure about themselves, and the long-term effects can be devastating. The girl bullied at 15 for being “fat” at 15 can end up at 20 with an eating disorder.
Today we look at four ways we can all help stop bullying and make a safer, more loving world for everyone.
1. Understand what bullying is
Bullies use physical, social, and verbal tactics to diminish or hurt others in person and on the internet. This unwanted, and often repeated, aggressive behavior hinges on a power imbalance, be it real or imagined.
The more people understand what bullying looks like, the easier it is to help stop it. That applies to both kids and adults.
2. Report bullying
If you spot any of these power imbalances, speak out about it. Bullying stands less of a chance of repeating itself if others step in. Without intervention, the bullying will likely continue or even get worse.
3. Build a positive community environment
Bullying doesn’t stop after graduation. Research shows that adults experience bullying at work at nearly the same rate as kids at school. All of our communities — home, school, church, work — play a role in preventing bullying. Leaders in these communities need to address bullying as a serious issue and not simply as “kids being kids.”
4. Model kind and respectful behavior to all
One of the most effective ways to prevent bullying is to behave kindly and respectfully. Adults, like kids, are very influenced by their peers (hello, Instagram!). By modeling acceptance and empathy, you teach others these same skills.
5. Be a resource for anyone experiencing bullying
Many victims of bullying feel alone; you can be a resource for them. Just one caring person can help prevent bullied people from becoming depressed and disengaging from their lives. If you know someone dealing with bullying, let them know you’re here to talk.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
