Bullying takes many forms

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 18/06/2018 (2854 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Bullying has received a lot of media attention lately.

Years ago, the idea of bullying conjured up images of a too-big-for-his-age school-yard brute, fist raised threateningly, towering over a too-small-for-his age terrified classmate. Of course, we now know that bullying can take many forms, some that are just as blatant but others that are far more subtle than the classic stereotype.

According to the Canadian Red Cross (www.redcross.ca), bullying behaviours include not only physical intimidation and aggression, but also verbal abuse, social or relational aggression (such as gossiping or trying to cause hurt by deliberately excluding or isolating someone), and cyberbullying. The latter has especially received a lot of attention over the past decade now that access to the internet and social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter have become commonplace. Perhaps not surprisingly, many of the anti-cyberbullying campaigns have been directed at children and adolescents who are just learning to navigate the complex world of social interactions and relationships.

But how can we expect our children to treat others with kindness and respect — both in person as well as online — when some of the most famous and/or powerful adults on the planet can’t behave on social media in a civilized manner?

Think of the recent examples of what one might call “adults behaving very badly” on social media, some of which include famous actors and politicians. For example, only a few weeks ago disgusting and racist comments were posted on Twitter by a well-known American comedian and sitcom star. Though widespread condemnation of her words was swift, once the words are put out there they can never be taken back. It’s an important lesson that adults need to learn as much as our children.

A few years from now my daughter may begin to show interest in exploring Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other means of social media that haven’t even been invented yet. As a parent, I consider it my job to be a positive role model for her and to exemplify the behaviours and instil the values that I hope she will carry into her own relationships and social interactions, whether they are in-person or online.

It’s too bad some adults haven’t learned that spewing vicious and hateful words on Twitter is just as bad — or worse — than using fists. It’s still being a bully. 

Heather Innis is a community correspondent for Windsor Park. You can contact her at htiede@gmail.com