As a previous victim of bullying in secondary school, I remember the feeling of waking up, filled with dread and anxiety putting on my uniform, walking up to the school gate, feeling my stomach churn whilst fighting back tears and turning back, because I could not face the day ahead of me.
It was a feeling I remember so vividly at the age of fifteen and one I would not wish on anyone else. Sadly, I know there are students all over Ireland in school right now who feel exactly the way I once did. Thankfully, I overcame bullying because of the tremendous support I had around me when I eventually spoke up about my experience of bullying to my parents and teachers. Other students have not been so fortunate.
Bullying is not only an issue that affects thousands of students in secondary schools but also primary schools and colleges. We are all aware that bullying exists but this behaviour remains unchallenged until it directly affects someone we know and care about or as a problem that has become too serious to ignore. There are many types of bullying that can take place in a school context;
- Verbal – name calling, abusive nicknames, slagging, teasing, rumours, and aggressive use of voice or tone, prank phone calls.
- Physical – pushing, shoving, kicking, pinching, hair pulling, fights.
- Gesture – frowning, making faces, aggressive stance or stare, shaking your fists etc.
- Exclusion – deliberately isolating someone, silent treatment.
- Name Calling – Persistent name calling referring to a physical appearance or academic ability etc.
- Extortion –demands for money or personal possessions, lunches, bus fares, forcing victim to steal.
- Damaged Property – graffiti, scribbling/tearing on books, copies or clothing. Interfering with personal property.
- Sexual Harassment – remarks of a suggestive sexual nature.
- Cyberbullying – internet, email, text, online bullying.
The latest statistics on bullying in Irish secondary schools reveal that over 175,000 are falling victim to cyberbullying. The evolution of modern communication technologies has led to such new dynamics as cyberbullying in addition to the more traditional forms.
National and international research has shown that bullying knows no boundaries of age, sex or socio economic background. It can take many forms, can be short or long term and can cause severe pain/distress to many victims. Anyone can be bullied through no fault of their own. As a result, bullying leads to lack of confidence, self-esteem and the victims believe that there is something wrong with them.
The nationwide studying of bullying in Irish schools conducted by Dr. Mona O’ Moore in TCD indicates that some 31% of primary and 16% of secondary students have been bullied at some time. At secondary level, pupils reported 47% of incidents in the classroom, 37% in the corridors, and 27% in the playground. 19% of the former and 8.8% of the latter grouping said they were victimised going to or from school. Other areas of attack included the toilets, changing rooms, locker areas and dormitories in boarding schools. From the 870,000 ongoing school population, 23% or 200,000 children are at risk of suffering the ill effects of bullying.
A new study, published online by JAMA Psychiatry, shows research that builds on the previous evidence that bullying or being bullied may contribute to later mental health problems. Researchers looked at associations between bullying behaviour at the age of eight and adult psychiatric problems by the age of twenty nine.
If you know someone is being bullied – TAKE ACTION.
If you cannot get involved, do not be a bystander and tell and someone immediately. According to Professor Mona O’ Moore of Trinity College Dublin’s Anti-Bullying Centre, silence over the issue allows bullies to get away with murder. Bullying behaviour must be challenged or it will become regular and get worse. If you think someone is being bullied, you should provide opportunities for them to talk to you. It will take time, but if you send a clear message that bullying is unacceptable and does not have to continue, in time, the person may trust you enough to tell. Victims of bullying can feel scared and voiceless and to listen to someone is the best help you can give to someone being bullied.
Bullies themselves often bully because of a situation they have found themselves in or by repeated aggressive behaviour and attitude. It is important to remember that they are the ones who need help in order for the bullying to end.
Currently, there are rules regarding bullying between students at primary and post-primary schools. These are set down in procedures (but not law) issued by the Department of Education and Skills. The following sets out the rules about bullying in schools and the rights of pupils and parents where bullying occurs. In September 2013, the Department published Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools. The procedures include the requirement that all schools should have an anti-bullying policy within the framework of their overall code of behaviour.
However, if you feel like you are being bullied and nothing is working to stop it, please talk to somebody you trust, either at home or at school. Most schools are pro-active in dealing with bullying behaviour. Coming first hand from someone who did eventually speak up, I can assure you that the feelings of anxiousness and constant worry will ease gradually. I guarantee you, there is a glimmer of light at what may seem like a never ending dark tunnel, if you just find the courage to speak out.
Sources Used
- Nationwide Study on Bullying Behaviour in Irish Schools Anti Bullying Centre, Trinity College Dublin. (Professor Mona O’Moore, 1997),
- Bully4u.ie
- ShoutOut.ie
- Department of Education and Skills, Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools (2013).
- JAMA Psychiatry Research on Bullying and Mental Health.