This is not always the case however, as we often see examples of bullying both in the work and school environment.
Bullying in a digital age
Nowadays, not having the latest smart phone app can lead to isolation and with that, exclusion from social situations. Research suggests, however, that victims of bullying share similar personality traits. A psychological investigation, conducted by the BBC, suggests that victims who are perceived as having poor communication or social skills are less likely to retaliate against common abuse thus leading to bullies- who are often insecure in their own social position- to repeat the abuse.
We are constantly reminded of stories of bullying within our modern day society: the Amanda Todd story, for example, which ended in a 14-year-old taking her own life. This is not the only case. Every year in the United Kingdom, nearly 2,000 young people commit suicide in bullying related incidents. Nearly one in three victims of bullying have admitted to truanting, resulting in approximately 20,000 young people missing school everyday 67% of children aged between 5 and 18 are bullied at some point with a further 87% reported to have witnessed it.
As reported by the 2011 IDC cyberbullying paper:
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Can society eradicate the problem?
There are communities who do not have bullying in their culture. What can we learn from them?
If we compare our way of life to indigenous cultures, tribes living in Amazonia for example, there are colossal differences in quality of living, technology and communication.
Yes, they may not have access to cars, computers or schools; however case studies conducted by numerous organisations suggest that because of this, there is a greater sense of dependency on each other and as a result, a greater sense of unison and relationship. This trend ultimately reflects a stronger instinct for survival: each member of the tribe performing his or her individual role so that the tribe, as a whole, can prosper and survive.
Comparable to this is the Amish society. Amish persons are renowned for a traditional style of living; wearing plain dress and without the conveniences of modern technology. Despite what we would call a modest way of life, they still uphold an exemplary sense of family that reverberates not only through biological relationships but entire communities. Much like the Amazonia culture, the Amish share similar unifying traits that our less community-based culture does not possess.
So what can we do?
Bullying has received great publicity in the UK, with schools introducing zero-tolerance policies and the national Anti-bullying Week, in which schools around the country participate in workshops and interactive sessions to help combat negativity toward others.
Although these schemes are set up with the best intentions, it seems that young people feel these sessions to be ineffective. A student comments:
This statement in fact represents the opinions of many students, suggesting that schools are focusing on dealing with bullying in the wrong way. Another student observes:
A further criticism of these schemes is that they are primarily geared toward school bullying: social negation, physical and verbal bullying; furthermore they do not necessarily encompass the many aspects of cyber-bullying.
Notwithstanding this, the only way we are going to create a more caring society is through a combination of methods such as legislation, education and co-operation between different factors of society, for example: state, church and schools.
Bullying has become an epidemic that must be addressed. For the sake of all young people and future generations there is a need for members at the forefront of society to take action. Nevertheless we must accept that we cannot transform our culture to that of the Amish or Amazonia communities and without draconian legislation it is difficult to control all content in the digital spectra.
No one deserves to be bullied, however it is up to us to take appropriate measures to help both victims and bullies, so that we can prevent the escalation of bullying related events and in doing so, demonstrate a healthier example to future generations.
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by
samjohns1234livecouk (student)
