So the main question observers of such conduct have is…why do people bully others?
The driving forces behind bullying may vary from person to person, but bullies share some common characteristics.
No matter the cause, bullying is unacceptable, regardless of where it takes place.
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At a Glance
Bullies often use threats, insults, or exclusion to intimidate and harm others.
Such behavior may stem from insecurity, a need for control, a sense of powerlessness, or enjoyment.
Whatever the cause, the effects on victims can be serious and potentially devastating.
If you are dealing with bullies, learning what to do and how to get help is vital.
What Is Bullying?
Bullying exists on a spectrum.
Not all bullies resort to hitting or name-calling, as children are known to do.
Sophisticated adult bullies may engage in smear campaigns against their targets rather than insult them to their faces.
They might also enlist others to bully a target on their behalf.
This is why someanti-bullying groups say that bullying isnt always easy to define.
These outcomes show bullies that this conduct pays off.
Learned Behavior
Bullying is often a learned behavior.
Young bullies might live in households where adults bully one another to get their way or deal with conflict.
They might not know how else to get their needs met or how to manage disagreements.
Others were once bullied themselves and repeated the behavior to feel powerful.
Individual Characteristics
Some supervisors bully their subordinates to deflect attention away from their incompetence.
Other bullies believe their status entitles them to bully individuals of lower rank.
These bullies might also lackempathy, havenarcissistictraits, or be emotionally unstable and dysregulated.
Controlling and intimidating others helps them to feel better about themselves and self-soothe.
Surveys have found that one in every three children has been the victim of bullying in the previous month.
Bullying is harmful not only to targets of this behavior but to bystanders and bullies themselves.
Effects on People Who Witness Bullying
Bystandersof bullying suffer, too.
Young people who witness bullying are at increased risk of using illicit substances, tobacco, or alcohol.
In addition, witnesses of bullying might feel guilty or ashamed for not intervening.
In the workplace, observing bullying can lower morale and increase turnover rates.
What Can Bystanders Do?
Unfortunately, many bystanders dont speak up because theyre afraid theyll become the bullys next target.
Effects on Bullies
Bullies themselves experience the consequences of their actions.
They, too, have an increased risk of substance use disorders and quitting school.
They may also face workplace investigations, formal complaints, and lawsuits about their conduct.
Action Against School Bullies
Protecting oneself against bullies typically requires effort and sacrifice.
Legal Actions
Taking legal action against the school or school district might be a possibility, too.
Many of these platforms prohibit commoncyberbullyingtactics such as impersonation or harassment.
It should also be possible to remove offensive videos and other content.
Recourse for Adults Bullied At Work
Bullied adults can also take steps to protect themselves.
However, union workers typically have more options than workers without the protection of a union.
When applying for jobs in the future, take a stab at research the company beforehand.
Also, pay attention to how managers behave during the tool process.
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