Bullying is a continuous type of violence that has physical or psychological consequences and is perpetrated by an individual or group against a person who is unable to protect himself. However, it is stated that in order for an act to be called bullying, it is not enough just to have the characteristics of aggression, it must have an unequal power relationship between the parties, it must have a continuity feature and it must be done intentionally.
School bullying occurs when one or more students knowingly and willfully, repeatedly physically, verbally, spreading gossip and rumors, extorting money or other possessions, threatening, damaging or destroying their friends. It is a type of aggression in which the victim is unable to protect himself, resulting in ostracizing him from the group and leaving him alone.
Cyberbullying, in other words, cyberbullying; bullying through information and communication technology and tools, especially mobile phones and the internet.
There are three types of bullying: physical, verbal and social (relational) bullying. verbal bullying; name-calling, ridicule, humiliation, humiliation, sarcasm, insulting, threatening, physical bullying; hitting, punching, kicking, scratching, tripping, spitting, relational-social bullying; ignoring, excluding, ignoring, alienating, acting inappropriately, gossiping, displaying hostile looks, hiding or damaging personal belongings. While physical and verbal bullying can be seen and noticed, social bullying is the most harmful type of peer bullying and is characterized by being more indirect and hidden. While physical and verbal bullying is “observable”, it is directly involved in bullying, while social exclusion is defined as “indirect bullying”. Directly applied peer bullying includes open attack against the victim. Indirect bullying includes behaviors such as social isolation of the victim, exclusion from the group, spreading gossip.
In these studies, it has been revealed that bullying is common in our country. In a study conducted by Pişkin (2002) in our country, it was determined that boys bullied more than girls, and girls were more victims. Again in this study, it was determined that 35% of the students were victims, 30% were both bullies and victims, and 6% were bullies. Violence in schools in 2008 was examined by the Ministry of National Education; 52.2% of these events were verbal, 21.9% physical and 23.7% emotional.
How does peer bullying affect a child’s mental health?
Many children and young people are exposed to prolonged peer bullying and are negatively affected by this process. Bullying negatively affects and impairs the child’s mental state, adjustment, daily life, social functionality and academic skills. They often show signs of trauma. They are particularly affected in three areas; loneliness, anxiety and depression. Students exposed to school bullying feel powerless and alone. They are isolated. There is deterioration and decrease in social relations. They shut in. They do not want to go to school, they are absent. They don’t follow school rules. Even if they attend school, their academic success is negatively affected due to the mental problems that occur. Therefore, they experience fear, anxiety, sadness and hopelessness, and their education and training lives are interrupted. Due to the helplessness and insecurity they experience, they often do not tell anyone about the bullying for a long time, and they delay getting help.
In a study conducted with 226 young participants evaluating the psychological effects of children exposed to peer bullying, the frequency, complexity and severity of tics, anxiety, depression and anger outbursts were found to be higher in children who were bullied, and it was stated that the quality of life of these children was negatively affected. revealed that peer bullying was associated with social phobia and anxiety disorder in ninety children with a mean age of 11. In this study, it was suggested that peer bullying should be considered in children with anxiety disorders. In a meta-analysis that evaluated a total of 70102 participants on the relationship between victimization from peer bullying and suicide attempts, it was found that peer victimization was associated with child and adolescent suicidal ideation and suicide attempts and was a risk factor for suicidal ideation and attempts. Studies have shown that peer bullying causes many mental disorders, negatively affects the mental health of the child, disrupts his school and social life, and is a risk factor for suicide.
Recommendations for the prevention of bullying and the negative psychological impact it causes
The cooperation of school administrators, guidance services and school nurses within the school health team for the prevention of bullying is important in preventing bullying. Bullying should be taught at school. Children who are bullied and at risk should be identified and measures should be taken to protect them. When a bullying event occurs, all information should be obtained and recorded in detail. Children who have been bullied should be encouraged, given confidence, and consistent in this regard. The information given by the child should be taken into account, he should be guided to share it with his family, and the child should be told that it will be shared with the family by making an explanation. The socially lost relationships of the child should be reorganized and supported. Social support received from teachers and friends at school are the two most important sources of support that protect children from mental problems that may arise after a negative life event. For this reason, school management, teachers and the child’s friends should be informed about being sensitive about support. The child’s strengths and problem-solving skills should be increased. Support and counseling from a child psychiatrist should be provided for mental problems. School discipline rules should be applied for peer bullying, boundaries should be set clearly and sanctions should be applied. It should not be forgotten that when a child is bullied verbally, emotionally or physically by another child, this abuse can have long-lasting effects, and these children should be followed for a long time and necessary social, emotional and spiritual support should be provided.
