The problem of bullying is significant enough in our work for us to designate this section the ‘Zero Bully Zone’. Within this section we share our collaborations with other people and other agencies in helping to combat bullying in our schools, our communities and in the workplace.
What is bullying?
Bullying can involve direct physical and verbal aggression, or it can involve more subtle forms of indirect aggression, such as spreading rumours – at school, in the community and online. No matter what your circumstances no-one has the right to bully you and make your life so unbearable that you want to harm yourself or harm anyone else. Your Life Counts is here for you. We’re taking you seriously and we’re listening to you. We have many years of experience working to stop bullying and so please feel comfortable to share with us and to reach out to us. We’re here for you!
Many children and youth find their day to day lives affected by bullying, either as the victim or the bully. Sometimes they can be both victim and bully at the same time as one situation can often spur another. It is also important to note that the act of bullying is not restricted to children. Adults can be bullies too – and their bully tactics can be very similar to those of children. These children, youth and adults are at risk for many emotional, behavioural, and relational problems in relationships in their family and in the community. Very often they will need help, guidance and require support to understand their individual situations to learn coping strategies for the development of healthy relationships and a healthy life.
What about the bullies?
Children, youth and adults who bully are not only having problems with peer relations, they are at risk for many related behavioural and relationship problems as they get older – these problems can include:
- Aggression and violence
- Sexual harassment, dating aggression and violence
- Delinquency, crime and gangs
- Alcohol and/or substance abuse
What about the victims of bullying?
People who have been suffering at the hands of a bully are at risk for a range of emotional, behaviour and relationship problems that can include:
- Low self-esteem and depression
- Being absent from school or work
- Stress-related health problems (e.g., headaches, stomach aches)
- Social anxiety and loneliness; withdrawal and isolation
- Aggressive behaviours towards others that can include becoming a bully themselves.
- In the most extreme cases, suicidal thoughts and suicide
What if someone is being bullied and is also a bully?
No matter whether you are the bully or the one being bullied – or if you are both…you will need help to cope with and understand the feelings and the behaviours you have been experiencing. If you are both a bully and a person being bullied you will have even more needs for guidance and support.
No-one needs to suffer alone. Your Life Counts is here for you. Please share with us online in confidentiality and we will help you move forward.
