Psychological bullying is just as harmful as physical bullying in the schoolyard, says Dr Sara Goldstein of Montclair State University. Bullying is any behavior that hurts another person by manipulating social relationships and victimizing peers. Social manipulation is relatively common in relationships at school, work and home.
Psychological bullying at school
Examples of psychological bullying and social manipulation include: ostracizing or ignoring peers, not inviting them to join groups or activities, spreading lies or rumors, name calling, and teasing hurtfully. Psychological bullying can happen in the classroom or schoolyard – and it can also happen at home or work.
Students dealing with psychological bullying view their schools as less safe, and they're less pleased with the atmosphere of the school. Boys are more likely than girls to carry weapons to school as a result of physical and psychological bullying.
Almost 10% of students are bullied at school.
Psychological bullying at home
Siblings bully one another both physical and psychologically, and the effects are similar to bullying at school. Peer victimization isn't limited to the schoolyard.
Psychological bullying at work
According to bullying experts Gary and Ruth Namie, 39% of adults experience psychological bullying at work. The consequences of workplace bullying include loss of productivity and high absenteeism rates.
Impact of psychological bullying
"Sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me" is actually not true. Psychological bullying has serious psychological effects: low self-worth, low self-esteem, and even posttraumatic stress. Victims of psychological bullying feel helpless, like they lack control over environments and feelings. If they feel the bully is in control, their feelings of self-worth will plummet.
Name calling is one type of psychological bullying that is particularly degrading and harmful. It happens in the schoolyard, classroom – and even at home.
The results of psychological bullying include insomnia, anxiety, depression, and even symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. Different types of bullying have different effects on different individuals; rarely are the effects positive.
How to stop bullies
Whole school interventions are most effective in stopping psychological bullying. Teachers, principals, school counselors, nurses, etc need to be committed to changing the culture of psychological bullying – which means a "no tolerance" policy. School staff needs to intervene when possible, and parents need to learn how to teach their kids to deal with bullies effectively.
New computer programs are designed to teach kids to stop bullying. Teaching skills via software may be the best way to not only stop bullies from bullying, but also give kids tools to stand up for themselves.
October is Bully Prevention Month; many schools and organizations are offering seminars and workshops to stop the spread of psychological bullying. Even if it's not Bully Prevention Month, ask for materials and resources for stopping bullies.
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