bullying research introduction

Bullying Research: 5 Reasons to Study and Learn about Bullying

‘Want to know how bullying research can give you the knowledge to protect yourself psychologically and physically? Here is all the information you need to know.

bullying research

Knowing about bullying is the best way to protect yourself from it.

Therefore, in this post, you will learn all about the importance of bullying research so that you can read up on it and get the knowledge you need to defend yourself should you find yourself in the crosshairs of a bully.

Once you learn all about these crucial details and why knowing is vital, you will be a more challenging target for bullies, and they will avoid you and select someone who isn’t so knowledgeable.

This post is all about bullying research so that you can better protect yourself against bullies.

Bullying Research

Knowledge is power! Therefore, if you suffer from bullying at school, at work, or anywhere, doing your research on bullying is the first step in defending yourself against it.

Learning about Bullying and the Power Dynamic

I began researching bullying in the early to mid-nineties. The goal was to learn everything there was to know about it.

I wanted to know why people bully and what drives bullies to single out certain people. Also, I was curious about what bullies look for in victims, how bullying affects different people, and what characteristics determine victim selection.

Why? Because it is better to learn from it than to let it traumatize you.

How the Learning Began

During the nineties, I went through countless library books, magazine articles, news columns, anything relating to the subject of bullying. I read about the different personalities of bullies, bystanders, and victims.

I also pored through books and articles about politics, social infrastructures, and the power dynamic.

Also, I consulted my PC and reviewed numerous online articles and essays on the subject. I begin with Tim Field and bullyonline.org, based in the UK.

I remember emailing him with many questions on bullying, and he always replied curiously and promptly. From him, I learned so much.

I was surprised to find that so many others had suffered bullying as well. They were celebrities, musicians, writers, doctors, attorneys, teachers, homemakers, people from all walks of life.

I am saddened that Mr. Field is no longer with us and that his website was taken down. I will be forever grateful to him for sharing his expertise. He was the encouragement I needed to learn more about the subject.

Bullying Research:

Knowledge was the turning point.

In my years of research, I’ve attained a vast wealth of knowledge on bullying. Moreover, this is knowledge which has served me well both professionally and socially.

In my in-depth study of bullies, I have gained so much insight into the minds and personalities of my former classmates and all bullies.

In reading countless testimonies of victims and survivors, I realize that none of it was all in my head. None of it was my fault, as my classmates and a few of my teachers had cruelly forced me to believe.

Bullying is timeless and universal.

Bullying and the tactics used, from whisper campaigns to witch hunts to threats of bodily harm, have gone on since the beginning of time. It’s nothing new.

During the years I was bullied in school, I had tried reporting it. Also, I had tried speaking out only to be ignored, shamed, retaliated against, and blamed for it. But this is also nothing new.

Because no one would listen, I grabbed a pen. I began writing in a daily journal about the daily bullying I suffered at school. Why? Because I needed a record of the abuse in case the bullies at school hurt me so badly that I’d need hospitalization or worse, murder me.

I even had one of my journals taken from me by a teacher in the eighth grade, and I never saw it again. Luckily, I kept a backup hidden at home and didn’t lose anything.

By the time I switched schools during my senior year, I had filled several journals with countless stories. They were those of social aggression, emotional torment, and brutal beatings dished out by my classmates.

Bullying Research:

The Beginnings of the first Memoir

I kept those journals put away in a storage bin for decades because I knew that one day, I would write a book about my experiences. That book, “From Victim to Victor: A Survivor’s True Story of Her Experiences with School Bullying,” is now published and available.

With knowledge comes power. If you’ve had something terrible happen in your life- something so awful that it deeply affected your life, learn about it instead of agonizing over it.

Instead of being angry over something that happened in the past, learn as much as you can about it. Then use it to protect yourself from any future bullying.

Also, you can use it to help others who are going through the same. I guarantee that it will bring healing, unlike anything you can imagine!

Nothing heals you like taking on adversity and learning from it. You can use it as a weapon against future bullies and to help other victims! Try it! You’ll be glad you did!

your bullies will no longer scare you. They will bore you.

If only your bullies had a clue. If only they knew what sniveling cowards they are. And, if only they realized that some of us are smarter than they think. Bullies don’t realize that some people can see right through them.

They can’t see what some people see behind their pathetic attempts to look bigger, better, and brighter than they really are. Because if they did, they would want to crawl into a hole somewhere and hide.

In their feeble attempts to instill fear in and control others through yelling, screaming, and cursing tirades, they look like basket cases. Through their passive-aggressive dirty looks, scowls, and eye-rolls, bullies don’t look all-powerful. They only look desperate.

Their relentless jockeying for power only gives them the appearance of weakness and desperation, not strength and ambition.

Bullying Research:

IF you do your research, you will learn that Bullies are weak and pathetic.

Their threats toward anyone smaller or weaker only expose their fear. Why? Because they would never risk going toe to toe with someone of equal power. And the sad truth is that bullies know it too.

They use victims to hide from the truth of their insecurities. Bullies hide behind victims like a baby hides behind its mother’s skirt.

Their pitiful attempts to use others as a shield to conceal their flaws make them look exactly as they are. They are fakes, frauds, and impostors.

The bullies’ false bravado only proves that they’re not to be taken seriously. It only evidences their pathetic self-loathing.

Bullying Research:

Realize that you are much better off than your bullies.

Knowing that bullies must expend so much energy to hide their true selves? It will make you scoff at them. And knowing they must work so hard to keep others down only makes you laugh behind their backs.

Why? Because you don’t have to work as they do.

Think about it. Most bullies bully in groups. And they always select one person to bully. Therefore, it takes all of them to try to bring down one person. I’m laughing as I type this.

Most targets are comfortable being themselves. Therefore, you can save your energy to create your own happiness and success. It’s so sad that bullies can’t.

Bullies are pitiful. Why? Because their hatred for you burns them up inside. It eats away at their souls and blocks them from any peace and happiness they might otherwise attain.

So, even as your bullies unleash their vitriol on you, you don’t hate them. Why? Because they’re not worth the energy it takes to hate.

Once you learn what bullying is really about, you’ll only pity your bullies.

You’ll only feel sorry for them. Why? Because you will know that at their very core, they’re miserable human beings. And you will realize that your bullies will never achieve growth and become better people.

You will figure out that behind your bullies’ made-up faces and fancy clothes and hairdos, there’s no substance. There’s no authenticity or anything solid.

You’ll discover that the only thing behind their weak and shaky facades is hot air! Nothingness! Dead space!

Bullying Research:

Seeing Behind the Veil of Perfection

Though your bullies paint themselves as most valuable, they bring nothing to the table. They may glitter and sparkle, but not all that glitters is gold. It’s only fool’s gold.

Bullies tear people down, undermine their creativity, and take credit for their ideas. But only because they aren’t smart enough to be original. They never had an original thought in their entire lives!

If you are a target of bullying, you will be thankful you gained this knowledge.

There are so many other things you will learn about bullies. You will discover that bullies only surround themselves with people just like them. They will attract coattail hitchhikers who are unable to think for themselves. They will draw in wannabes who’ll jump through a thousand hoops to make “the right people” like and favor them.

Your bullies will be magnets for people who are nothing but followers, drones, lackeys, and patsies. In a nutshell, they’re only losers disguised as winners.

You will get free entertainment from your BULLIES’ trash talk.

Bullies will talk so much garbage. But instead of making you feel bad, they’ll only give you free entertainment. Why? Because you will see that talk is cheap and that’s all your bullies can do.

Also, you’ll discover that they’re right about one thing. You are different from them. You’re nothing like any of them. And you will be proud of that!

You’ll be thankful that people like you don’t need lackeys and followers. Why? Because you can improvise, adapt to, and overcome anything. And the best part will be that you have your bullies to thank for that!

Bullying research:

You will make your bullies your motivators.

‘You see? Bullies can teach you how to be inventive. You’re creative because you have to be.

Your bullies can teach you how to get around any roadblock or barrier placed in your path. How? You might ask? They give you plenty of practice!

Your bullies can give you grit. They can give you the strength to weather the storms in life, to stay the course, and to live a better and more rewarding life.

Bullies can make you determined to get what you want out of life. In trying to break you down, they can set you on your path to success. And, without meaning to!

While they stay in their comfort zones and live mediocre lives, you’re willing to endure a little discomfort. Why?

Because you know that’s what it takes to expand your horizons and live an extraordinary life. And you know that it will pay off one day.

While your bullies followed the latest fads and trends, you were developing those of the future.

Bullying Research:

Once you learn about bullies and bullying, you will embrace their hatred of you.

Your bullies may have brought you down, but they won’t keep you down. In the end, you may rise higher than they could ever imagine. And that will be another reason they hate you.

But the fun part is, you will welcome and embrace your bullies’ hatred. This is what happens when you do your research and learn as much about bullying as you can.

You learn why people bully and where the behavior comes from. And you can debunk any myths about bullying. You’ll also understand where their power really comes from and the stuff bullies try to hide.

Then you will realize just how pathetic bullies really are. And, once you do, their games will no longer faze you.

This post was all about bullying research and the power of knowledge to compel you to learn everything you can about bullies and bullying.

Related posts you’ll enjoy:

1. Bullying Myths: 5 Widely-Held Beliefs about Bullies and Victims

2. Imbalance of Power in Bullying: 3 Sources of Power for Bullies

3. Things School Bullies Try to Hide: 13 Things They’re Ashamed Of

empowerment definition

Empowerment: 7 Things that Come with It

‘Want to know everything that comes with empowerment? Here is everything you need to do to empower yourself against bullying and abuse.

empowerment

Empowerment from bullying is the best feeling ever and I say this from personal experience. However, it comes with some personal responsibility. Why do I say this? Again, it’s because of experience.

Therefore, in this post, you will learn all about empowerment and the responsibility that comes with it. This is so that you’ll know what to do to empower yourself against bullying.

Once you learn all this essential information, you will be more inclined to take the appropriate steps needed to empower yourself and overcome bullying and abuse.

This post is all about empowerment so that you know exactly what to do and the steps needed to get there.

Empowerment

Empowerment. What exactly does it mean and how do you get there? First off, empowerment takes a lot of responsibility. In other words, it takes patience and hard work.

Therefore, before you can empower yourself, you’ll need to take a certain degree of personal responsibility. Scary, huh? Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. Here’s are 7 things that come with empowerment.

1. Read and Learn all about bullies and bullying.

In other words, do research on bullies and bullying. This means learning all about the mindsets and mentality of bullies.

Learn who they select as victims and why they select these particular people. Also, gain knowledge on the different types of bullies and bullying, the tactics they use, and what to expect from them in any given situation.

Moreover, you must learn what to do if anyone ever targets you for bullying. Learn how to document bullying and do your own investigation. Gain knowledge on the best ways to respond instead of reacting to bullying.

And lastly and most importantly, get abreast on all your bullies’ weaknesses and shortcomings. In other words, find out where their most vulnerable areas are and learn how to exploit them to protect yourself.

Read all you can about bullying. And when you read, you must also think about all the behaviors your bullies have displayed. Then, you can put two and two together.

And once you do, you will finally see the bullies for the pathetic cowards they are. Then, your self-esteem will soar!

2. Empowerment:

Stop Seeing yourself as a victim. Instead, see yourself as a target!

Words have power. What you speak, you’re likely to become. Therefore, change your words and you will change your mindset.

Instead of referring to yourself as a bullying victim, begin saying that you’re a bullying target.

This is the first step in changing your mindset and getting out of victim-mode.  Not only must you learn about the mindsets of bullies, you must also learn about your own mindset as well.

Learn about the mindsets of victims and also the mentality of people who refuse to be victims. The key is to change your own way of thinking too.

Stop thinking of yourself as a victim and you’ll have more control over your life. Also, you’ll have the courage to make your own decisions, even if those decisions upset other people.

However, if you don’t get rid of that victim-attitude, you’ll only continue to allow your bullies to take away your power. Thus, you’ll remain dis-empowered.

As a result, you’ll least likely put in the work to reclaim your power.

3. Get to know your worth.

Knowing your worth means knowing your value as a human being. Moreover, it means knowing who you are and the good you deserve. And, more importantly, it means knowing what you do and don’t like and what you will and will not put up with.

Therefore, when you know your worth, you won’t settle for less than what you want. In other words, you won’t put up with abuse nor will you crawl behind anyone who doesn’t value you.

Instead, you’ll be picky who you associate with. You’ll be selective of your friends and romantic partners. Also, you’ll get rid of the creeps who disrespect you. And you’ll do it without so much as a shred of guilt.

Then your self-esteem will rise significantly.

4. Find your purpose.

Having a purpose is so empowering! However, it requires that you find out what that purpose is. Think back to those childhood inclinations and try to remember what your strongest inclination was.

Did you want to be a singer? A writer? This is one way to find it.

5. Empowerment.

Find your passion.

What do you enjoy doing? What is your favorite hobby? How might it help you to make the world a better place?

If you can answer these questions, then chances are, you’ve found your passion. Therefore, practice it. In fact, indulge in it!

Do what makes you happy and what make you feel alive!

6. Work on your goals and pursue your dreams.

If you do this, you’ll be too busy to worry about what people, especially bullies, think of you. You’ll also be too preoccupied with your own stuff to hate on your bullies.

You’ve got things to do! You don’t have time to worry about them! Moreover, you’ll be doing what fulfills you. Therefore, that is power in and of itself!

7. Love Yourself.

To love yourself is to accept yourself. And to accept yourself is to just be yourself! Therefore, when you love yourself, you don’t worry about who doesn’t. You can just relax and be.

That is also empowering!

Loving yourself also means setting boundaries, even with your bullies. Then, you must enforce those boundaries if anyone violates them. This is self-care. Loving yourself includes taking care of yourself.

Empowerment: It Won’t Come Easy!

 Finding your purpose and passion are wonderful ways to empower yourself. It gives you something to do that will take your mind off the bullying you suffer. Therefore, the bullying won’t have the effect on you that it will have if you only sit around and dwell on it.

However, it won’t come without resistance from those around you. Sadly, when we chose to follow our purpose, passion, goals, and dreams, it can induce jealousy and insecurity, especially in your bullies. Moreover, they will find ways to distract you from achieving your desired outcomes.

Also, getting knowledge of your bullies and of bullying can empower you. In fact, it’s one of the most empowering things you can do. And once you realize where bullying comes from and why bullies do it, it won’t have near the effort on your self-esteem that it once did.

Again, don’t think any of these steps won’t come with some resistance.

So, what are the things bullies and other people will do to get in your way?

1. They will fill you with doubt.

If there’s one thing you should remember, it’s this. Those who fill you with doubt also doubt themselves. When their own self-doubt holds them back, they will project it onto you and hold you back as well.

2. They won’t be as excited about your dreams as you are.

But don’t take it personally. Only a few people in your life will be as excited about your dreams as you and vise versa.

You will only be as excited about the dreams of those you love most and wish well. And bullies will laugh at your dreams. This is a fact of life.

Therefore, don’t let that kill your excitement and don’t let it stop you. Because, if you’re not careful, it’s easy to let their lack of enthusiasm discourage you.

3. Empowerment:

They may go a step further and discourage you.

Bullies may tell you that your goals or dreams aren’t worth pursuing. Maybe, they’ll tell you that you’ll only fail. This can inject fear in your mind and cause you to hesitate taking the first step to success.

Therefore, again don’t let them stop you! Keep going until you reach the finish line!

 Play Mind Games with Yourself If you have to.

Understand that bullies and others only discourage you based on their own failures and limitations. Their negativity comes from their own worldview. And their worldview is that of failure and disappointment.

In other words, their own limited self-beliefs stem from their own lack of success. Moreover, it comes from their observation of those around them who also failed to achieve their goals and dreams.

As a matter of fact, some discourage you because they’re afraid you’ll succeed. And, if you reach success, you might just force them to take stock of their own lack of accomplishment.

But others, who may indeed care about you, may call themselves trying to spare you from the heartache of failure. These are the people who mean well. However, they’re going about it the wrong way.

For example, let’s say you want to go into the music business and bullies are piling on a mountain of ridicule and disparagement.

Empowerment:

Here are some questions you will need to ask yourself.

  • Do these bullies know more about music than you do?
  • Do they understand you as a person? Have they even taken the time to do so?
  • Have they themselves worked hard and achieved any of their own goals and dreams?

If the answer is no, then you should give no consideration to anything they tell you. You must do what you love. In other words, you must follow your purpose and passion.

Otherwise, the desire to do so won’t have an outlet and will only grow. Also, the bullying you suffer will have more of a chance of getting under our skin.

You will only continue to squelch those desires, only for them to resurface. Or worse, you’ll end up living with regret.

Therefore, you must realize that people who are determined to stay in their comfort zones also want you to stay in yours.

Comfort Zones Only Keep You Stuck

Again realize that empowerment comes with personal responsibility. It comes with a ton of mind work and much re-framing. And when bullies are attacking you left and right, it can be extremely difficult to re-frame those attacks and keep that victim mentality from getting a grip on you.

However, if you want to keep your power and move toward a better life, you must refuse to call yourself a victim. Instead, call yourself a target. Because you are a target. But you don’t have to be a victim.

Also, double down in your efforts to reach your goals and dreams.

Empowerment:

The More Bullies Tighten Their Fists, The More Like Water You Become

In other words, you only run through their fingers and out of their hands. You have more power than you know. Your bullies cannot hold you. Why?

Because you only continue to flow over and around them. Understand that sometimes, in their efforts to tighten their grip, bullies only make you defiant or sneaky. As a result, you will find your way around them.

You must refuse to be controlled.

In other words, when your bullies try to silence you and prevent you from speaking against the abuse, you can find another way to communicate. You can choose to write about it instead.

And you do this by keeping a backup journal at home in case bullies steal your primary journal. Also, you can speak out through music and song or through artwork, such as drawings and paintings.

There are so many vehicles through which you can speak out.

Take advantage of the fact that your bullies are flawed humans just like you are. Also realize that they can never read you mind nor control your thoughts.

Other ways to get around your bullies

  • When your bullies trash your reputation at school, make friends outside that toxic school. Befriend kids who don’t attend your school.
  • If bullies have destroyed your chances of getting a date at school, date people from different schools and communities. If you’re eighteen and a senior in high school, date people who are in college.
  • If you’re old enough to have a driver’s license or work after school,  opportunities for an after school job in your community may be nil. However your attempts to get one in the next town will more than likely be successful and you can make many friends there.

Empowerment:

Speaking from my own experience

Here’s the miracle that happened twenty years later when I endured horrible rashes of cyber-bullying. Moreover, some of the attackers online were former schoolmates.

I handled the cyber-bullying with smarts and class. As a result, I ended up making many allies who came to my defense. Moreover, these were people from all over the country! And I’m still friends with them people today.

Yes, sometimes, things may look hopeless. However, they can turn out for the best.

Therefore, if you think hard, there’s always a way around the stigma if you’re bullied. So, do what you must do for self-preservation.

Dig those heels in, double down, and become like water that only runs through your bullies’ hands. Also, don’t give up! There’s always hope!

You must find ways to empower yourself. Also, realize that once you begin working on self-empowerment, the bullying may get worse before it gets better. But don’t stop working at it. Don’t give up or give in. The empowerment process is long but totally worth it in the end!

This post was all about empowerment, what comes with it, and the baby steps you must take to empower yourself from bullying.

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3. Enforcing Personal Boundaries: 7 Powerful Strategies

4. How to Overcome Self Doubt: 7 Easy Mind Hacks to Achieve Success

5. Defending Yourself from Bullies: 11 Best Defenses

6. Phrases to Shut Down a Gaslighter: 9 Powerful Statements to Use