Bullying Why Bullying Is an Issue to Essay

Bullying

Why bullying is an issue to study in human development

Most researchers on bullying have recently turned their focus to this subject. Studies estimate that at least seven million children in grades six to ten have been involved in frequent or moderate bullying during the school term. Bullying can be defined as repeated negative actions between the bully and the target. The chronic and widespread nature of bullying shows that it has a considerable impact on children; hence an issue to study in human development (Dale, Smith, Norlin, & Chess, 2009). Psychologists, given their expertise and skills in matters of human development, are uniquely qualified to help in the implementation of research-based intervention programs. This will address the negative effects of bullying on both the bullies and targets.

Types of bullying behavior

The main types of bullying behavior include various actions of physical abuse like slapping, punching, biting, kicking, and any actions that inflict harm on the target. Verbal bullying includes mocking, insulting, and degrading statements and opinions with the intent to hurt the target.Coercion is a form of bullying, which makes the targets perform harmful actions to the target or other people. This may involve attacking others, self-inflicted injury, cheating, theft, and telling lies that will result in damage (Dale, Smith, Norlin, & Chess, 2009). In addition, bullying behavior includes exclusion resulting in isolation in order for the target to suffer from lack of interaction and loneliness besides organized attacks. In addition, cyber bullying entails sending of degrading or insulting emails and messages. This could include posting messages or pictures on web pages that degrade or humiliate the target.

How gender and sexual orientation influence styles of bullying

It is evident that Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people experience harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) to a greater level than the heterosexual counterparts do. A recent survey conducted by the Human Rights Watch body on these categories documented severe and persistent homophobic Bullying such as physical attacks, social exclusion, property damage and taunts (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2010). LGBT persons are four times likely than the….....