Bullying

For many people 'bullying' is not really real it is just something you have to go through. It has always been around and it is character building. Once again this is a good example of societies inability to try and tackle something that is incredibly destructive!

'Try not to think about it and it will go away.'

The reality however is that this type of behaviour does not go away. Fortunately more and more people and organisations are now trying to do something about it.

In many ways it is difficult to define what defines a 'Bully' but it is probably safe to say that the following come close as characteristics:

• The need to impress
• Uncontrollable aggression
• Lack of self esteem
• Fear of intimacy
• Opportunistic tendencies

Whatever the characteristics the results are the same. Physical and psychological bullying makes peoples lives miserable and can very easily leave people emotionally and mentally scarred for life.

It is doubtless safe to say that bullying can wipe out self-esteem in the victim and lead them into depression and in worse cases into suicide.

Bullying is also not just confined to schools and therefore young people. Bullying is clearly apparent is ALL aspects of life, from relationships to the workplace. The problem is that as with most things that make us feel awful, there is a large amount of shame that goes with it. As a result people are often embarrassed to come forward and admit what is happening to them. No one should underestimate the effect that bullying can have.

There are many groups and organisations now, who are concentrating on trying to eliminate bullying and offer support and advise. Here are just a few links that might be useful:

• http://www.successunlimited.co.uk/
• http://www.antibullying.net/youngpeople.htm
• http://www.bullybusters.org/def.html
• http://www.cary-memorial.lib.me.us/bullyweb/