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“Bullying is a form of aggressive behaviour in which someone intentionally and repeatedly causes another person injury or discomfort. Bullying can take the form of physical contact, words, or more subtle actions. The bullied individual typically has trouble defending him or herself and does nothing to ‘cause’ the bullying.”

-American Psychological Association

When we think about bullying, our first response is often to assist and defend the victim. Bullying, by definition, involves both a victim and a perpetrator. Dalton Associates recognizes that children, adolescents and even adults involved in the cycle of bullying can benefit from psychological counselling.

Technology and Bullying

Social media, cell phones, email and computing in general have allowed bullying to occur more subtly and secretively than ever before. It can be difficult to intervene in such cases, as messages are often communicated in private and are password protected.

The Bully

A bully tends to have poor emotional regulation as well as poor social skills. This inability to understand and communicate emotion often causes frustration and aggression on the part of the individual, and when these episodes become targeted at another individual, bullying occurs. However, the background, attitudes, socio-economic status, and gender of bullies vary. If there are environmental conditions that allow bullying to take place, “almost anyone can bully” (A.P.A. 2010).

The Victim

The victim of bullying often feels isolated, vulnerable and threatened. Parents, family and friends should offer support immediately if they feel that another individual is the victim of bullying behaviour. The victim requires a safe space to disclose their experiences, and needs to know that they are supported, trusted and listened to.

Dalton Associates offers counselling to those who are being bullied, as well as the bullies themselves. Through counselling to individuals, children, adolescents, and families, we can help to break the cycle of bullying.

References:

American Psychological Association (2012). Anti-Bullying Efforts Ramp Up. Retrieved from:
http://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/02/anti-bullying.aspx

American Psychological Association (2010). Bullying: What Parents, Teachers Can Do to Stop It. Retrieved from: http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2010/04/bullying.aspx