An epidemic of global bullying

"I would rather be a little nobody than to be an evil somebody." (Abraham Lincoln)

Bullying behaviou has become increasingly prevalent around the time warped universe and cuts across political/economic, social/cultural and racial/ethnic lines. Bullying is defined as aggressive physical contact, abuse or intimidation to cause another human being injury, anxiety or discomfort. If bullying is done by a group, it is called "mobbing"; the victim of bullying may be referred to as a "target". Cyber-bullying relies on Information Technology to use force or coercion to abuse or intimidate others via the anonymous rumour mill, email, text messaging and social networking or websites such as YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook. The uncensored Internet has made the problem more vicious and lethal.

Self-loathing insecure bullies seem to have a need to feel domineeringly powerful and in situational control. Bottom line - bullying is not okay, period. One's dignity may be assaulted, teased, taunted, threatened and/or cruelly mocked, but it cannot be taken away unless it is consciously or unconsciously surrendered. This worldwide malady can have detrimental negative consequences for the general school climate and for the individual human rights of students to co-exist in a safe, secure and supportive learning environment without fear. Physical, verbal or psychological intimidation repeatedly recurring over time creates an ongoing hateful pattern of bigoted harassment and hurtful abuse.

Concerned onlookers must cooperate and develop a proactive coping response and fresh mindsets to stop trying to treat the symptoms and instead seek common cause remedies, getting to the heart of the problem in order to defuse bullying with tolerant understanding and compassionate empathy. Self-absorbed parents contribute to the shared blame by refusing to become actively involved in their child's life. The next generation of savvy young technocrats represents our mutually passed along future legacy and only true hope for survival.

"Knowing what's right doesn't mean much unless you do what's right." (Theodore Roosevelt)

Charles Frederickson

Asean citizen