Bullying destroys

Helena Palma Barreto, teacher and coordinator of the thematic core: Assessment and Semiology of the Nursing program at the University of Cundinamarca, tells us about the main concerns that arise around this problem.

Bullying or school bullying is known as the behavior of persecution or harassment that one student has towards another, it occurs physically, psychologically or virtually.

“This is a behavior that involves mistreating the other person, using violence whether physical, verbal, emotional, and even, as is happening today, virtually through social media. It should be mentioned that the bully feels superior to their victim, causing insecurity, fear, stress, and even mood problems,” said Professor Barreto.

In Colombia, for example, and according to data from the international NGO Bullying Without Borders, an alarming figure was revealed that puts the issue back on the table, since between January 2020 and December 2021, 8,981 serious cases of bullying were reported, with Bogotá being the city with the highest percentage of cases at 21 percent.

And this type of behavior can lead, as has already happened, to school absenteeism and even suicide. "Problems then arise such as lack of sleep, appetite, learning difficulties, and clear ideas about harming oneself," Barreto mentioned.

How to prevent it?

The teacher affirms that prevention of this problem is achieved through collaboration between families and schools. “The possibility of eradicating bullying is achieved through joint efforts between families and the educational institution, with ongoing and assertive communication to bring cases to light and find solutions.”.

“Remember that education and empathy are key to mitigating this problem; knowing that there are limits to our behavior and that above all we must respect and make ourselves respected, and always share any difficulties that may be affecting us with our families,” emphasized teacher Palma.

According to Cohn-Vargas, the following recommendations should be followed to prevent bullying:

• Recognize the problem.
• Involve the students.
• Turning passive students into active ones.
• Promote tolerance and inclusion.
• Pay attention to the aggressors.
• Stay calm and report the aggression.
• Understanding the victim.

More news from the Girardot branch at the News Agency