Christian Ways to Address Bullying
One of the problems facing American society today is bullying. Those who have been pushed around are emotionally traumatized, the effects of which will affect their disposition for the rest of their life. There has been a need to address this epidemic as a result of the mass murders committed by some of the victims.
The website stopbullying.gov defines bullying as unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children involving a real or perceived power imbalance. That behavior, it goes on to say, is repeated or has the potential to be repeated over time. It cites examples like making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose.
Those of us who have witnessed bullying firsthand know how awful it can get. The humiliation, embarrassment and emotional trauma it entails can leave a negative effect on the receiver. Some suspects of mass shootings and slashing incidents have been found to be victims themselves.
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Bullying usually takes place within the campus, on the school bus and in the neighborhood among children and young people, but it can also happen in the workplace. Bullying is plain power tripping, as those who practice it derive pleasure in displaying their supremacy. Psychologists explain it as a manifestation of resentment.
What if you find yourself on the receiving end of this dreadful experience? Confronting the problem the Christian way will depend on the degree of the bullying. Teasing and name-calling might be tolerable but can become irritable if done constantly. Nevertheless, it is best to just turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39) by ignoring taunts. The bullies will get tired of it eventually.
If it gets to a point that it disrupts your daily routine and studies, then it's time to get some help. Report the matter to the guidance counselor. Some students think that running to school officials is not cool. Wrong! What's not cool is being picked on constantly and doing nothing about it.
Verbal abuse is the lightest form of bullying. From there, the persecution gets worse which could involve public humiliation, sexual harassment, taking away or destroying one's belongings and physical harm. The more intense the harassment, the higher the authorities you should call to for help.
But the best way to face bullying is by being proactive or dealing with the problem while it's not yet there. Organize a support group or club where bullied students can run to for help so that they won't have to confront their problem alone. The group can spearhead anti-bullying forums which could educate potential bullies. Be the light that Jesus wants you to be (Matthew 5:14).
