Are we sure that the bully is the strongest?
Today we’re talking about bullying and cyberbullying (when it happens online), two words that still need to be discussed because it’s a constantly growing phenomenon.
Bullying is aggressive and repetitive behavior toward those who are unable to defend themselves, and when it occurs online, it becomes cyberbullying. It’s estimated that one in two children aged 11-17 has experienced bullying in the past 12 months, and one in five children experiences recurring bullying, even several times a month or even a week.
Online, it can occur through threats, insults, and other unpleasant phenomena such as body shaming. It’s important to remember, however, that the bully isn’t always the strongest and doesn’t necessarily have to win. Indeed, it’s often an aggressive shield hiding just as much fragility and loneliness.
There are two things above all to remember: first, violence breeds violence, and therefore responding to attacks will never lead to a constructive solution. The most important thing is to talk about it, even when it’s difficult: with a trusted person, a parent, a teacher, or a colleague.
And above all, even those who witness violence are co-responsible if they don’t ask for help: helping and supporting one another is crucial and a social (and moral) duty that, today more than ever, we all need.