How would you feel if someone constantly hurt you and tried to make you feel unimportant? Small? That’s very likely. Bullying is something many students face in silence. But the more we understand it, the better chance we have of putting a stop to it.

So, what exactly is bullying? It is when someone repeatedly hurts, intimidates, threatens, or makes fun of another person on purpose. And it’s not just a one-time thing; it happens over and over again, and it can make people feel scared, sad, alone, or insecure.

Types of Bullying

Now there are different types of bullying, and each one can hurt in its own way. Let’s take a look at a few types, which are physical, verbal, and cyberbullying.

Physical Bullying

This is what most people think of when they hear the word “bullying.” It involves hurting someone’s body or belongings. Examples include:

• Hitting or kicking
• Pushing or shoving
• Taking or damaging someone’s things

Physical bullying can leave bruises and scratches, but it also leaves emotional scars that can be just as painful.

Verbal Bullying

Words can hurt just as much as actions. Verbal bullying is when someone uses words to make another person feel bad about themselves. It includes:

• Teasing or calling them names
• Insults or making fun of someone
• Threatening to hurt someone
• Body shaming

Even if there are no physical marks, the emotional impact can be long-lasting.

Cyberbullying

Today, with the amount of time we spend online, bullying has found a new way to reach people even when they don’t see each other. Cyberbullying happens through the internet, social media, or text messages. It can include:

• Sending mean texts or messages
• Posting hurtful things about someone online
• Sharing someone’s private information without permission

Cyberbullying can feel relentless because it can happen anytime, anywhere, making it hard to escape.

How Bullying Manifests in School Settings

In school, bullying can happen in many places: classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, and even the cafeteria. Just like in the 2022 Nigerian high school movie, Leaked, it can happen on an unauthorised school blog. This oppression can take forms like:

• A group of students always picking on particular people in class
• Someone being excluded from games or groups on purpose
• Spreading rumours to ruin someone’s reputation

Understanding these different types of bullying, as well as other types, and recognising them in school can help us all take steps to stop it. If you see any form of oppression happening at school or anywhere, don’t just stand by. Tell a teacher or another adult you trust. If you are the one being bullied, tell your parents. Also, if you are the bully, stop it, because you’re hurting others.

Remember, everyone deserves to feel safe and respected at school. Let’s work together to make our schools bully-free and a conducive learning environment.

If you didn’t know, at uLesson, we’re not just interested in our learners boosting their grades with the uLesson app. We also want them to have a well-rounded and fulfilling experience, academically, emotionally, mentally, and physically.

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