Reasons to Stop Bullying
Bullying has become an extremely serious problem in our society. People are bullied at school and in the workplace in the form of name-calling, cyberbullying and even physical harm. It may seem that the victims of bullying are the ones experiencing all of the consequences; however, bullies themselves can have psychological and legal ramifications. If you have a propensity to bully others, here are some reasons to stop.
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Legal Ramifications
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Kids who bully other kids also often engage in other detrimental behaviors, such as carrying weapons, engaging in alcohol or drugs or becoming involved in fights. As they get older, these bullies are five times more likely to end up in criminal court and receive a guilty verdict than those who do not bully. One in four has a criminal record by the time he or she turns 30.
Inappropriate Adult Behavior
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Children who bully often become adults who bully, as their need to dominate others carries into their adult years. These adults often harass others sexually and racially. They may also become violent adults who abuse children or their domestic partners. If they continue their bullying ways with their own children, bullies are more likely to raise children who bully others as well.
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Psychological Ramifications
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Bullies have not learned proper social skills. They have not learned how to have consideration for others and how to react appropriately in given situations. They often lack empathy and compassion for their victims and others around them. Bullies tend to be drawn to more aggressive television programming, which portrays compassion as a weakness. Bullies will often use their bullying methods as an anger management tool instead of using appropriate techniques. Bullies can develop poor impulse control and can possess a high sense of entitlement. They often experience loneliness and social isolation. They may have difficulty in school and receive poor grades. It may be hard for bullies to have quality relationships with other kids. According to the Red Cross, bullies may even be more prone to suicide.
Unintended Consequences
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Bullying can have tragic consequences that the bully had not intended. Children who are bullied have committed suicide when the bullying becomes intolerable. Bullying has led to school shootings in schools when children who are bullied believe that revenge will stop the harassment. Children who are bullied often suffer from anxiety and depression. They fear going to school due to the constant harassment that they experience. These children can end up with eating disorders and may engage in harmful behaviors such as risky sexual relations and self-cutting.
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