English
Introduction
Bullying (school bullying) is systematic aggressive behaviour aimed at humiliating, intimidating or physically abusing a child by a classmate or group of students. It is a problem in many schools but often goes unnoticed or ignored. According to research, about 30 per cent of children experience some form of bullying.
Bullying can take many forms:
– Physical (pushing, hitting, damaging things).
– Verbal (insults, threats, taunts).
– Social (boycott, gossip, isolation).
– Cyberbullying (bullying on the internet via social media and messengers).
Why is it dangerous? Victims of bullying suffer psychological trauma that can affect the rest of their lives.
1. Causes of bullying
Bullying does not occur out of nowhere – it always has preconditions.
On the part of the aggressor:
– The desire to assert oneself at the expense of the weak.
– Imitation of adult behaviour (if there is violence in the family).
– Lack of attention and education.
– An attempt to hide one’s own complexes.
On the part of the school:
– Indifference of teachers (‘Children will sort themselves out’).
– Lack of bullying prevention system.
– Inability to recognise hidden conflicts.
On the victim’s side:
– Closed-mindedness, insecurity.
– Physical or social differences (glasses, overweight, different nationality).
– Inability to fight back.
Important: Bullying is not a conflict, but a targeted violence where there is an aggressor, a victim and observers.
2. Consequences of bullying
Bullying leaves a deep trace in the psyche of all those involved.
For the victim:
– Depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts.
– Poor academic performance, reluctance to go to school.
– Problems with trusting people in adulthood.
For the aggressor:
– Perpetuation of a pattern of violent behaviour.
– Problems with the law in the future.
– Difficulty building healthy relationships.
For the observers:
– Feelings of guilt for inaction.
– Fear of becoming the next victim.
– Becoming accustomed to cruelty as the norm.
3. How to fight bullying?
The problem can only be solved together: through the efforts of parents, teachers and children themselves.
What can a school do?
– Introduce an anti-bullying policy (clear rules, punishment for bullying).
– Provide training for teachers and students.
– Create anonymous channels for complaints.
– Work with aggressors (interviews, psychological help).
What can parents do?
– Talk to the child, notice warning signs.
– Support rather than blame (‘It’s not your fault’).
– Contact the class teacher, psychologist, principal.
– In extreme cases – transfer to another school.
What can a child do?
– Do not keep silent, tell adults.
– Ignore provocations (if it is verbal bullying).
– Seek support from friends.
Conclusion
Bullying is a serious problem that cannot be ignored. Inaction leads to tragic consequences, from loss of health to suicide.
How can bullying be prevented?
– Educate children to develop empathy and respect for others.
– Create a school climate of zero tolerance for violence.
– Teach children to stand up for themselves and others.
Only by working together we can make school a safe place for all children.
