The silent danger behind bullying: Emotional neglect! What is peer bullying?

Experts, who point out that incidents of violence and bullying have been on the rise, especially among adolescents in recent years, highlight the importance of correctly understanding the causes of these behaviors and raising awareness among families.

Specialist Clinical Psychologist İnci Nur Ülkü stated that the increasing tendency toward violence during adolescence negatively affects not only the victims but also the children who engage in bullying.

Ülkü expressed that the presentation of violence as a form of power display or heroism through social media, digital games, and television series can lead to the normalization of these behaviors among young people.

Stating that it is of great importance to create safe spaces in the family environment where children can express their emotions in a healthy way, Ülkü emphasized that behind bullying behaviors, there is often a need, neglect, or a wrongly learned model.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF BULLYING?

Saying that it is not always easy to understand that a child is bullying, but that some clues can be noticed by families, Ülkü shared the following examples:

“Constantly using belittling or mocking expressions toward others, adopting a defensive attitude such as 'but they deserved it' after violent incidents, engaging in threatening or manipulative behaviors toward siblings, and frequently speaking negatively about friends and forming superficial relationships can be signs of a tendency toward bullying.”

Expressing that if these signals are noticed, it is important for families to communicate with their children using open-ended questions without being judgmental, Ülkü said that early detection of bullying can be healing for both the child who bullies and the child who is exposed to it.

SKILLS FOR COPING WITH EMOTIONS MUST BE TAUGHT

Stating that the inability to cope with intense emotions such as anger, jealousy, and feelings of worthlessness may also lie at the root of bullying, Ülkü expressed that families should take on a supportive role in this process.

“Space should be provided for the child to express their emotions such as anger and disappointment. Healthy communication methods, not violence, should be used in family discussions. It should be clearly conveyed that violence is unacceptable under any circumstances. Cooperation should be maintained with teachers and school psychological counselors,” she said.

THE IMPACT OF BULLYING IS GREAT ON BOTH THE PERPETRATOR AND THE VICTIM

Stating that bullying can lead to long-term negative effects not only on victims but also on children who bully, Ülkü warned: “While depression, anxiety disorders, lack of self-confidence, school phobia, and academic failure can be seen in victims, individuals who bully may develop a tendency toward crime and unhealthy social relationships.”

Emphasizing that adolescence is a critical period in which an individual develops social relationships, Ülkü concluded her words as follows:

“Violence and bullying behaviors that emerge during this period should never be underestimated. Behind every bullying behavior, there may be a need, neglect, or a wrongly learned model. It is of great importance to provide children with empathy, healthy communication, and emotional awareness through the cooperation of families, teachers, and experts.”