Why is my child a bully?

AGGRESSION: THE IMPACT OF INTIMIDATION IS PROFOUND AND CAN BE LONG-LASTING

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Anti-Bullying Week is observed annually in South Africa from 11-15 November and aims to raise awareness of the risk of bullying.

Global research reports high levels of bullying, particularly among high school pupils, with research showing that more than 3.2 million pupils are bullied yearly in South Africa. Furthermore, one in 10 pupils drop out of school to avoid being bullied.

Bullying is aggressive overt as well as aggressive subtle behaviour that involves an imbalance of power, where one individual or group intentionally harms, intimidates, or exerts control over another person who is perceived as vulnerable. This behaviour is typically repetitive, occurring over time, and can be physical, verbal, social, or cyber in nature.

Bullying can also be subtle and take the form of shaming, isolating, and shunning.

The impact of bullying is profound and can have long-lasting negative effects on children, impacting their mental, emotional, and even physical well-being.

Both children who are bullied and those who engage in bullying can suffer consequences, which underscores the importance of addressing bullying behaviour.

According to Jonathan Hoffenberg, programmes manager at The Parent Centre, one of the most effective ways to address this behaviour is to understand where it's coming from.