How can bullying be defined and what are its characteristics?
Although there is no universally accepted definition of bullying in studies on the topic, a general description and some characteristics are identified. Bullying refers to a threatening and sometimes aggressive behavior, perpetrated by one or more individuals against one or more others, in a dynamic particularly frequent among young people, especially adolescents.Moreover, three characteristics distinguish it:
- Intentionality: it is a behavior intentionally carried out towards one or more people against whom aggression is exercised;
- Power imbalance: aggression is exercised thanks to an imbalance of power which may be determined by the social position of the victim(s) or by their isolation. Isolation is also one of the most frequent harms of bullying;
- Repetition: bullying acts are repeated over an indefinite period, which helps reinforce the victim(s)’ sense of uncertainty.
Regarding the power imbalance, it is crucial to note that the phenomenon does not involve only the aggressor and the victim but entails the participation, active or passive, of a social group to which both the bully and the victim belong.
What are the types of bullying?
Two main types of bullying are generally distinguished: direct and indirect.- Direct: occurs when there is a direct relationship between the bully and the victim;
- Indirect: when the victim is targeted, for example, through attacks on reputation, slander, and similar actions.
Additionally, studies identify at least four main types of bullying:
- Verbal bullying: expressed through insults and other verbal expressions;
- Physical bullying: manifested through direct physical violence of varying intensity;
- Social bullying: involves excluding the victim from the social life of the group;
- CyberbullyingCyberbullying is the enactment via the internet of behaviors... More: a more recent term, including all forms of bullying carried out via the web. Due to its growing prevalence, it is increasingly considered a major phenomenon rather than just a type.
What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that occurs through digital and technological means. It is particularly insidious because it can harass the victim 24/7, even when they are safe at home.
The main forms of cyberbullying include:
- Online harassment: repeated sending of offensive, threatening, or intimidating messages via social media, email, or messaging
- Digital defamation: spreading rumors, embarrassing photos, or videos on social networks or messaging apps
- Identity theft: creating fake profiles in the victim’s name to socially harm them
- Exclusion: intentionally excluding the victim from online groups or class chats
- Non-consensual sexting: sharing intimate images or videos of the victim without their consent
How does the brain react to bullying?
The brain responds to the traumatic experience of bullying with activation of the amygdala"The amygdala is a gray matter structure named after its cha... More, the fear center in the brain, releasing stressFrom a clinical point of view, stress is a physiological and... More hormones such as cortisolThe adrenal glands, small pyramid-shaped glands above the ki... More and adrenalineAdrenaline, also called epinephrine, is a hormone and a neur... More, and with a temporary “shutdown” of the prefrontal cortexThe prefrontal cortex plays a fundamental role in numerous p... More, responsible for reasoning, leading to difficulty thinking clearly.
In the medium and long term, the nervous system remains in a state of hypervigilance, and the brain may become more sensitive to threats, sometimes overreacting to non-dangerous stimuli. SerotoninSerotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is a ne... More production (the “happinessHappiness represents an emotional state characterized by pos... More hormone”) can decrease, leading to negative moods. Over time, the hippocampusThe hippocampus is a part of the brain located in the inner ... More, involved in memoryMemory is a fundamental cognitive function that consists in ... More, may shrink due to chronic stress, neural circuits promoting anxietyAnxiety is an emotional response characterized by feelings o... More and depressionDepression is a disorder characterized by persistent sadness... More can develop, the immune system may weaken due to prolonged stress, and the ability to regulate emotions may be compromised.
What are the consequences of bullying?
The consequences of bullying can be very serious for victims, causing:
- Psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, and hikikomori phenomenon
- Decline in academic performance
- Social isolationSocial isolation is a psychological and social phenomenon th... More
- Low self-esteemThe term self-esteem literally refers to the evaluation of o... More
- In extreme cases, suicidal ideation
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