The significance of an anti-bullying culture

Despite international coverage, bullying intervention efforts may still require further recognition. Countless people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds experience the impacts and challenges of bullying. In some scenarios, people have died by suicide due to the impact and trauma of bullying. For these reasons and many others, an anti-bullying culture can be imperative to creating change and keeping individuals safe.

An overview of the culture of bullying

"Bullying culture" may be defined as the acceptance, enabling, or ongoing occurrence of the toxic practice of harming others verbally, emotionally, or physically, often in group settings like a school or workplace. The overall perception of bullying and various interactions can fuel a bullying culture. 

For instance, some people believe that bullying is "not impactful," that kids will grow out of it, or that it "just happens." Other individuals may perpetrate bullying or witness it, yet abstain from speaking out due to fear or the bystander effect. Each perception may contribute to the culture of bullying, and indifference can be one of the most significant enablers, which may carry legal consequences. 

The merits of an anti-bullying culture

Knowing how to stop bullying can be challenging but attainable. In the case of bullying, there may be light at the end of the tunnel. More and more people are standing up, speaking out against bullying, and encouraging others to do similarly. It can be beneficial to understand that silence, inaction, and indifference can be a few of the most significant enablers of bullying. Each time people stand up and denounce bullying, they may view it as taking another step toward ending it altogether.

Below are a few of the merits and benefits of an anti-bullying culture worldwide and within the US.

Saving lives

Anti-bullying culture can save lives. Studies have evidenced that many people who are routinely or habitually bullied may respond by bullying other people themselves, even using more extreme measures, such as violence toward others. In addition, reducing the instances of bullying can reduce the risk of suicide or self-harm in some populations.

Promoting education 

Bullying can have a plethora of negative impacts on a survivor's life and educational pursuits. Approximately 20% of students report being bullied at some point, and over 160,000 students decline to attend school out of fear of subjection to bullying. The enforcement of an anti-bullying culture can shine awareness on bullying while also letting perpetrators know that targeting other people is prohibited or tolerated under any circumstances. 

Tackling workplace harassment

Bullying can be as problematic in the workforce as it is in school. Children in elementary, middle, and high school are not the only people to experience bullying. Workplace bullying can come from colleagues and professional superiors to adults or teens in a workplace, as well. 

A manager, boss, or higher-up professional may bully an employee by threatening them, treating them differently from other employees, isolating them from important job-related meetings, sabotaging their work, micro-managing, sexually harassing them, or causing them to lose their jobs. 

An anti-bullying culture can combat workplace harassment by encouraging those in the workplace and management to learn how intimidation and other bullying tactics will not be tolerated in any capacity. Many companies have various policies in place designed to stop bullying. However, these companies may still benefit from the existence and enforcement of an anti-bullying culture.

National recognition 

Many states in the US are taking steps to combat bullying. Although no federal laws prohibit bullying in its many different forms, many states have enacted a series of laws that forbid bullying. According to FindLaw, most of these laws center around bullying in the forms of theft, threats, stalking, public humiliation, harassment, and violence.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a prevalent and monumental aspect of modern bullying culture. While traditional bullying often occurs during face-to-face interactions, cyberbullying happens online. Many bullies have used social media and the internet to target others. 

Many individuals note the existence of block and mute features on virtually every social media platform to avoid online bullying. However, cyberbullies who are dedicated to harassing people online often create separate accounts in advance as a means of circumventing features such as blocking and muting hateful or malicious accounts.

Like traditional bullying, many people have died by suicide after embarrassing photos or videos were posted online for the world to see. Cyberbullying can be as serious as bullying in a school or the workforce. While survivors often get a reprieve from face-to-face bullying when they go home from work or school, cyberbullying can be relentless and never-ending. 

Counseling options 

You're not alone if you or a loved one is experiencing bullying. Any type of bullying, whether physical, emotional, or mental, can be challenging to cope with independently. Professional intervention may be beneficial if you or someone you love is experiencing bullying online or in person. However, for some individuals, leaving home isn't an option due to safety. In these cases, online therapy may be an option. 

Platforms like BetterHelp can pair you with a therapist who can teach you coping skills, how to stick up for yourself, and how to ask for help from others. If you are 13 to 19, you may be able to use platforms like TeenCounseling for support with parental permission if you're under 18. 

Those exposed to bullying may experience mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many online interventions can successfully treat these conditions. One study found that an internet-based treatment for PTSD successfully reduced participants' distress and showed sustained treatment effects. Another study specifically looked at how internet-based therapy could impact those who went through bullying and found that it was as effective as an in-person treatment in reducing symptoms of PTSD and other mental health challenges after bullying.  

Therapist reviews

Here are recent reviews by BetterHelp users who are dealing with similar issues of their counselors:

"Sharon Valentino has helped me through so much! Since we started working together, just a few months ago, I already feel like I have more power and control over my life. I have let go of some very painful things, I have moved away from abusive relationships and really gaining the skills and tools I need to keep myself safe and happy. She has taught me that I have the power to control my thoughts, my anxiety, and most of all my company. I really like how direct she is, it helps me get grounded and connect to myself. I can't wait to see where I am after working with her a year!!!"

“Mary is AMAZING! She helped me through so much trauma from toxic relationships and helped me to realize my sense of self-worth and build confidence. I could not recommend her more! Mary listens so well and truly cares about her clients. She has done a great job of helping me through situations and feelings in my life that I didn't consciously realize were affecting me. Mary is very non-judgemental and professional and is SO easy to speak to. I was apprehensive initially about getting counseling and I am so glad that I did and that I found Mary. She has given me tools that I use daily that guide me through every up and down and has really helped me to manage my stress and find balance in my life. I have found so much happiness, strength, and confidence through working with her. Mary is wonderful, I highly recommend her!” Read more about Mary Slaton.