Bullying manifests in various settings such as schools, workplaces, homes, and society. While it may be evident at times, it can also be challenging to identify. The Anti-Bullying Week is observed every year, and this year, the campaign started on November 13 and will run until November 17. Its aim is to raise awareness about bullying, its impact on individuals, and the importance of preventing bullying in schools, communities, and online spaces. The National Center Against Bullying, an organisation dedicated to eradicating bullying through education, awareness campaigns, and support services, outlines various types of bullying that warrant attention: ALSO READ: School bullying: Uncovering the devastating toll on mental health Physical bullying This form encompasses hitting, kicking, tripping, pinching, pushing, or damaging property. Physical bullying inflicts both short-term and long-term harm. Verbal bullying This includes name-calling, insults, teasing, intimidation, homophobic or racist remarks, and verbal abuse. While verbal bullying may start off mildly, it can escalate to levels that significantly impact the targeted individual. Social bullying Also known as covert bullying, social bullying is often harder to detect and can be carried out behind the victim’s back. Its purpose is to harm someone’s social standing and cause humiliation. Social bullying tactics may involve spreading rumours, negative facial or physical gestures, intimidating or contemptuous looks, playing hurtful jokes to embarrass and humiliate, mimicking, encouraging others to socially exclude someone, and damaging someone's social reputation or acceptance. Cyber bullying The Cyber Bullying Research Centre defines cyber bullying as deliberate and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, phones, and other electronic devices. ALSO READ: Cyberbullying, sharing of nudes to be criminalised Cyber bullying encompasses overt or covert bullying behaviours using digital technologies, including hardware such as computers and smartphones, and software like social media, instant messaging, texts, websites, and other online platforms. Cyber bullying can occur publicly or privately and may only be known to the target and the perpetrator. It may involve abusive or hurtful texts, emails, or posts, deliberately excluding others online, spreading hurtful gossip or rumours, impersonating others online, or using their login credentials.
