Despite living in a highly developed world, certain painful realities continue to strip individuals of their right to dignity and safety. One of the most harmful of these is bullying—a repetitive aggressive behavior that causes psychological, physical, or social harm, often rooted in a power imbalance.
With the rise of technology, bullying is no longer confined to schools or public spaces. It has invaded digital platforms under the term cyberbullying, making it more insidious and difficult to combat.
💢 What Is Bullying?
According to psychologist Azniv Polatyan, bullying is a repetitive, intentional act of aggression—physical, verbal, or emotional—used to dominate or humiliate another person.
Types of Bullying
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Physical bullying: Hitting, pushing, threatening with harm.
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Verbal bullying: Name-calling, insults, slurs, and hurtful jokes.
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Social bullying: Spreading rumors, intentional exclusion, damaging friendships.
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Psychological bullying: Manipulation, humiliation, silent treatment.
Cyberbullying: A Modern Threat
Cyberbullying takes place through digital devices and platforms such as text messages, social media, online games, and emails. It includes:
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Sending abusive or threatening messages.
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Sharing private images or information without consent.
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Creating fake accounts to mock or impersonate someone.
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Spreading false rumors online.
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Excluding individuals from group chats on purpose.
The danger of cyberbullying lies in its constant accessibility, anonymity of the bully, and difficulty in confronting or stopping the abuse.
Psychological Effects of Bullying
Bullying is not merely a painful experience—it is a form of trauma that can cause long-term psychological harm if left untreated:
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Low self-esteem: Victims feel unloved and develop a negative self-image.
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Anxiety and depression: Constant stress may lead to withdrawal, crying spells, suicidal thoughts.
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Sleep disorders: Nightmares, insomnia, and fear of facing daily environments like school.
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Academic or professional decline: Stress hinders concentration and motivation.
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Social isolation: Fear of ridicule or harm causes victims to avoid others, deepening loneliness.
How to Deal with Bullying
👉 For Victims:
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Speak up: Talk to someone you trust—parents, a friend, or a therapist.
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Don’t retaliate: Avoid responding with violence.
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Save evidence (in cases of cyberbullying).
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Seek professional help if the effects persist.
👨👩👧 For Parents & Educators:
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Watch for sudden behavioral changes.
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Encourage open emotional expression.
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Teach digital safety and privacy awareness.
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Consult a psychologist when needed.
🧑🤝🧑 For Society:
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Raise awareness about the dangers of bullying.
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Implement anti-bullying programs in schools.
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Legislate protections, especially against cyberbullying.
Does Bullying Have Long-Term Mental Effects?
Yes. Research shows that children exposed to bullying are at higher risk of depression, anxiety, and relationship issues in adulthood. It can leave lasting scars that require years of therapy to heal.
Final Thoughts: Words Can Heal or Harm
Bullying is not a harmless joke or a passing incident. It is a deep violation of human dignity and a cause of intense psychological suffering. As individuals, parents, educators, mental health professionals, and policymakers, we must take it seriously.
Every word we speak or write can either build someone up or tear them down. Let us choose to be a source of safety, not harm.
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