Question

Bullying in schools is a worldwide problem. It eliminates the right of students to be in a safe environment without fear. Contrary to what most people believed, bullying can have negative lifelong effects for both the perpetrators and their victims. Bullying, such as teasing, taunting, and threatening, is initiated by one or more students against a peer. At times, bullying can be indirect by intentionally isolating a student from the group. Boys usually engage in direct bullying methods, while girls who bully are more likely to use indirect strategies, such as spreading rumors and social isolation. Whether the bullying is direct or indirect, it occurs repeatedly over time to create an ongoing pattern of abuse. Recent studies show that 15% of students are bullied regularly or are bullies themselves. Boys are victims of bullying more frequently than girls. Bullies seem to have the need to feel powerful and in control. They derive satisfaction from inflicting injury and suffering on others. They have little empathy for their victims and often justify their actions by saying the victims provoked them in some way. On the other hand, victims of bullying are typically insecure and suffer from low self-esteem. They rarely defend themselves when confronted by students who bully them. This could be due to the fact that they tend to be physically weaker than their peers.

a. True
b. False

Answer 1

Bullying causes detrimental effects on victims, including mental health issues and poor academic performance, and also negatively affects bystanders; cyberbullying adds to these challenges with its pervasive and anonymous nature.

Step-by-step explanation:

Bullying negatively impacts adolescents in profound ways, affecting not only the victims but also the perpetrators and the bystanders. Victims of bullying are at an increased risk of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. They may also underperform academically due to the distress caused by repeated harassment. For bystanders, witnessing bullying can lead to feelings of helplessness and fear, potentially decreasing the overall sense of safety and community in the school environment. Furthermore, cyberbullying has introduced new challenges due to its pervasive and often anonymous nature, exacerbating the effects of traditional bullying and making it harder for victims to escape the abuse. Efforts to combat bullying require the attention and action of parents, teachers, and students alike to foster a safe and supportive school atmosphere.