What is mental bullying?
Mental bullying is a form of aggression that uses verbal or nonverbal behaviors to target an individual or group. It can involve a range of actions, such as:
- Verbal bullying: This includes name-calling, teasing, taunting, and spreading rumors. It can also involve threats, insults, and humiliation.
- Nonverbal bullying: This includes gestures, facial expressions, and body language that are intended to belittle or harass someone. It can also involve physical gestures, such as pushing, shoving, or blocking someone's path.
- Emotional bullying: This includes any behaviour that is designed to undermine someone's feelings, emotions and relationships.
Mental bullying can have a number of negative effects on the target, including:
- Reduced self-esteem
- Social isolation
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Physical health problems
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
It is important to take mental bullying seriously and to intervene when it occurs. If you are being bullied, there are a number of resources available to help you, such as:
- Talk to a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher, or counselor.
- Report the bullying to your school or workplace.
- Seek professional help, such as a therapist or counselor.
If you see someone being bullied, there are also a number of things you can do to help, such as:
- Stand up to the bully.
- Report the bullying to an adult.
- Offer support to the target of the bullying.
- Encourage the target to seek professional help.
Bullying is a serious problem that can have a lasting impact on the lives of those it affects. It is important to take action to prevent and stop bullying in all its forms.