Bully to Buddy

The prevalence of bullying has been at an increase since last few decades with a steep increase during the pandemic. One should be aware that bullying takes place in the form of verbal abuse, physical abuse and emotional abuse.

Bullying is a negative behavior that can hurt someone even to the extent of traumatizing the person. The main challenge a bullied person faces is in communicating about it or handling it.

Adults specially children find it difficult to share their experience of getting bullied in the fear of being bullied more. Bullying is a matter of grave concern especially when it is related to children. It starts to challenge their ability to trust people. It affects their social and emotional upbringing.

Bullying if continued without any intervention can adversely affect the child's self-esteem, confidence, academics, physical and mental health. Later in life, it affects them on how they perceive themselves as an individual which has a negative effect on their relationships with others. Bullying also reveals the fact that the person who is bullying has a low negative self-esteem.

Therefore, it has to be acknowledged that bullying is a problem, regardless of how small or big the issue is. It happens at home, school, to schools to playground and even at our workplace.

When dealing with children, we need to make them feel secure and let them know that it is not their fault or mistake.

Anti-bullying squads in schools and workplaces should be brought into force. They can sensitize children about bullying and create a safer environment for them. They can also  encourage the children to share their problems and immediate help. Strict anti-bullying laws should be implemented and  actioned upon without any excuses or delay.

The pandemic home staying has exposed the children to the world of internet. The vast never-ending world of internet comes with its pros and cons children are now soft target of cyberbullying. It is the need of the hour to keep a track of your child's online content and activity. Avoid scolding or punishing. Instead educate them about cyberbullying and encourage them to take immediate help.

Bullying needs to be addressed at the earliest with proper intervention and correct strategies. We at Fortis Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Department have been actively involved in spreading awareness about bullying, by conducting various workshops and Bully to Buddy programmes in schools across the country.

So let us teach and encourage not only children but adults to speak up and express themselves.

By Dr. Divya Pal, Consultant- Mental Health and Behavioral Science, Fortis Kolkata