Bullying
“Bullying: use superior strength or influence to intimidate (someone), typically to force them to do something”
Research into depression and suicide in teenagers has highlighted the prevalence of bullying as a major factor. Of course in our present age, victims of cyber bullying may be at even higher risk for suffering depression and anxiety. Bullying is a form of abuse or violence, involving repeated acts of persistent aggressive of forceful behavior against an individual. It can take different forms. Traditional bullying involves physical and verbal bullying, name-calling, extortion or socially excluding someone from a group. Cyber bullying, entails being bullied on-line through the use of social media, be it through texting, FaceBook or Twitter. In this form of bullying, the bully or perpetrator can remain anonymous.
Victims wrongly believe that if they were stronger, better or different they would not be bullied in the first place. There are many reasons why people are targeted by bullies, this can be due to sexual orientation, religious or cultural beliefs or belonging to a particular ethnicity or racial group. At LifeChange, we believe in providing a strong, safe confidential space for you to begin to talk, regain and rebuild your life.