At some point in time, everyone has either experienced bullying or seen someone being bullied. When a person or a group tries to hurt, intimidate, or compel another person, that behaviour is known as bullying. It is aggressive behaviour that is purposeful and repeated to cause injury or discomfort to another person. Bullies are prevalent (in workplaces, schools, churches, communities, playgrounds, and even social gatherings) and a major problem. Victims feel unsafe in settings where they ought to feel safe, at ease, and protected.

Types of Bullying

• Physical
• Sexual
• Verbal
• Emotional
• Cyberbullying

Bullying is much more complicated than it appears to be. People with different hobbies, skin tones, and physical traits are commonly the focus of bullying. Most of the time, especially at work, a person may have trouble detecting that they are being bullied.

Bullying in Schools

When it comes to school bullying, some students and school personnel abuse their power to hurt and control other students. This can be in the form of ridiculing the victims, making fun of them, or even just ignoring them. Students who are bullied experience some psychological issues as a result, and it may even lead to suicide. Students who are being bullied typically leave the situation and ignore it as soon as it arises. Additionally, they are hesitant to share their struggles out of concern that others won't understand them and might even judge them.

For instance, Nana is a Grade 10 student in one of the schools in Ghana. Because of his overweight physical appearance, he frequently receives taunts from peers, seniors, and even juniors. He has no friends and is neglected at school, which he finds to be quite upsetting.

Bullying at Work

At work, employees and employers also abuse their power to harm and control other employees. Bullies at work frequently send threats, verbally abuse victims, inflict humiliation or intimidation, or even prevent them from finishing their work.

For example, Yaa Sika works for an organization where she puts a lot of effort into her job, yet her boss takes all the credit for work done. She also has to work from home after a hard day at the office because of her employer, who often sends her demoralizing emails. Because of her constant unhappiness at work, she considers this to be a very distressing position.

Preventing Bullying

Bullying can be prevented through:

• Victims standing up for themselves
• Education
• Security technologies