Bullying consists of a series of aggressive behaviors, both physical and psychological, directed at individuals who are unable to defend themselves. It is based on three prerequisites: intentionality , persistence over time , and asymmetrical relationships . The roles of bullying are well-defined: on one side are the bullies, those who engage in violent behavior, and on the other are the victims, those who suffer such behavior. Violent behavior almost always consists of insults, taunts, mockery of physical appearance, defamation, exclusion for one's opinions, and even actual physical assault. Bullying can occur throughout a child's school career, from kindergarten to high school. In some cases, it manifests online, through aggressive behaviors displayed on social networks , where the bully can maintain anonymity , have a larger audience, and can control the victim's personal information. But what drives a young person to behave like a bully? And, conversely, how does one become a victim?
Victims and executioners
In both cases the impact isesteemThe bully displays a high opinion of himself, combined with narcissism and delusions of grandeur, but often does not really feel this way and uses theaggression to stand out in the group. They generally have a low tolerance for frustration. The stories of those who are bullied are all somewhat similar. Zero trust in friends, few, if any, true ones, low self-esteem, and difficulty expressing emotions. Some hide at home, some refuse contact, some eat anything, some become anorexic, and some self-harm. In the most extreme cases, it can even lead to suicide. Several studies have also shown that in the transition from adolescence to adulthood, victims of bullying may present disorders such as agoraphobia, anxiety, panic attacks, psychosis, and depression. In some cases, the same disorders also affect those who have been bullied.
Cyberbullying: Violence 2.0
Il electronic bullying (cyberbullying) is an aggressive and intentional act, carried out by an individual or a group of individuals through various forms of electronic contact repeated over time against a victim who cannot defend themselves. For example, the cyberbully may stalk their victim by posting photos, videos, or private information, creating a false image of the victim through text messages or emails. social networks or by repeatedly threatening the victim via cell phone/tablet/computer connected to the Internet. technology It is changing the world at an ever-increasing speed, profoundly transforming our lives. Young people are evolving in a world that offers them constant media and digital stimuli, including access to social networks and video channels of all kinds.
Through increasingly sophisticated and powerful technological tools, young people communicate rapidly, bridging distances and, without time constraints, often meeting new people, absorbing information that isn't always verifiable and selective, and exploring the world (not just the virtual one), sometimes dramatically entering even the most intimate spheres, both emotional and sexual. These are needs that human beings have always manifested and that are felt independently of technology. It's difficult for adults to understand the psychological, social, and behavioral implications of the ease of communication offered by Internet, but for young people the interconnections between real and virtual life They take on normal aspects. Some critical issues and dangers typical of the virtual world may not be perceived as such, and it is important to understand how adults such as parents, teachers, and educators must address these issues to foster active and participatory responsibility for the proper use of such powerful and complex information channels.
Possible solutions
But it is possible to prevent? Certainly, and the educational role of teachers and parents can make a difference. Therapies for bullies and those who have been bullied work in most cases by helping them understand how to manage their emotions. Pharmacological intervention is rare: human relationship This is the starting point. The journey that young people undertake once they arrive at a treatment center, whether forced by law enforcement or with the help of parents and teachers, is always the same, and its duration varies depending on the case. First, a pediatrician's screening, then 6-12 months of psychological counseling, then activities that teach young people to stay together and talk. The difference in the therapeutic process between a bully and a victim lies elsewhere, in what must be learned to manage. In the case of someone who commits violence, it is necessary to understand how to channel the anger and learn to respect others. For those who have been targeted by the violence of others, the task is to overcome the infinite guilt, difficult to put into words.
Gianni Broggi
