Bullying is a very complex issue. Here are some FAQ's to help you understand and appreciate the issues.

 

Q: What is bullying?

A: It can take on many many forms.

• Physical abuse: Being punched and pushed.
• Verbal abuse: Being called names
• Cyber abuse: Being sent abusive emails, texts and phone calls
• Social abuse: Being excluded and being made fun of in front of people. Bully spreads rumours about the victim.

 

Q: What is Cyber Bullying?

A: It is the bullying of someone via online means such as message boards, social networking sites and the like. People use all the means at their disposal to bully and slander others. The internet also allows bullies the opportunity to be anonymous.

“Cyber bullies” can spread vitriol to an entire school and community in an instant; the phenomenon has led to a number of reported cases of depression and increased teen girl suicide. Suicide now accounts for 18 per cent of deaths among Australians aged 12-24.

A Girlfriend magazine survey of more than 800 Australian girls aged 12 -18 found:

THREE quarters know someone who has been bullied or harassed online and one third admit they have bullied or harassed someone online.
ONE third had been sexually harassed online.
ABOUT half admitted they freely gave their mobile numbers at school.
ONE quarter had been bullied via mobile phone and another quarter via the internet.
MORE than half did not know how to report bullying, harassment or pornography on the internet.

Many girls reported finding doctored images of themselves online and falling victim to vicious rumours circling via SMS messages.

 

Q: What are the effects on victims of bullying?

A: They can become withdrawn and their self-esteem will plummet. School work can suffer and they can become depressed. Research has found that adults who were bullied in their youth are more likely to be depressed and have lower self-esteem.