Introduction
Giving a child best education is not only every parent’s main aim but also a basic need for any child. The United Nations has, through its Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), prioritized education. In this regard, most parents endeavor to take their children to school at the earliest age possible.
However, while at school, students are exposed to various unwelcoming scenarios. Bullying is among the bad situations that students find themselves in a while at school. It is important to note that though much has been done to reduce bullying in our schools; it is still taking place.
Types of Bullying
Bullying can be committed by a group of students or an individual student. Bullying executed by a group of students is usually prominent in high schools and lasts longer than bullying perpetrated by an individual. Arguably, this is because the individuals in a group encourage each other. On the other hand, individual bullying is more prevalent in elementary schools (Goodstein, 2013). Moreover, bullying can occur in person or on social media platforms.
Physical bullying is the most notorious in our schools. This is where the victim is subjected to various physical abuses by the bullies. This may include punching, pushing, inappropriate touching, and in some instances, fighting. Mostly, students are forced to act in a manner contrary to their wish. Due to the physical injuries that are inflicted to the victim, this is one of the easily noticeable forms of bullying (Kohut, 2007).
On the same note, students can also be subjected to emotional bullying. This is a situation where the bullies do something that causes psychological trauma to the victim. This may include hiding belongings of the victim, spreading untrue information about the victim and in some cases segregating the victim (Goodstein, 2013).
Similarly, bullying can be verbal. The victim can be laughed at by the bullies, thus making him or her uncomfortable. Teasing is also included in this category. Bullying is also perpetrated through social media. Students can be threatened or even be compelled to do things against their wish through the internet (Elliott, 2010). This is referred to as cyberbullying and is very difficult to notice. It is crucial to note that there is also sexual bullying in our schools.
How to Minimize Bullying
The first, and probably most important, way of reducing bullying in schools is by implementing the anti-bullying policy. Strict regulations should be put in place to counter any form of bullying. On the same note, students found bullying others should be punished to serve as examples to others with bullying tendencies. Secret systems of reporting bullying in schools should also be put in place.
Moreover, students should be educated on the various forms of bullying and how to avoid them (Kohut, 2007). It is difficult to mistreat a person who is aware of the forms of mistreatment. On the same note, students should be taught on the motives and causes of bullying as well as the effects of bullying.
This can help in preventing bullying tendencies. Parents should also be actively involved in measures aimed at reducing bullying. This can be achieved by them being trained on how to see signs of bullying in their children and acting accordingly (Elliott, 2010). Parents should be encouraged to take necessary measures on whether their children are bullies or victims.
Conclusion
Bullying is a fact that cannot be assumed given the effects it has to students. It is disturbing to note that bullying takes place even in elementary classes. The psychological and physical effects that victims suffer after bullying may make them to perform below their ability and affect their future (Kohut, 2007). Consequently, it is upon every stakeholder in the education sector to take basic steps in reducing bullying.
References
Elliott, M. (2010). Stop Bullying Pocketbook. New York: Pocketbooks.
Goodstein, P. K. (2013). How to Stop Bullying in Classrooms and Schools: Using Social Architecture to Prevent, Lessen, and End Bullying. London: Routledge.
Kohut, M. R. (2007). The Complete Guide to Understanding, Controlling, and Stopping Bullies & Bullying: A complete Guide for Teachers & Parents. Ocala: Atlantic Publishing Company.