Bullying is an unfortunate reality for many people. While people tend to think of bullying as teasing on the playground, the reality is that bullying is much bigger than that. From online harassment to workplace bullying, many people deal with it, regardless of age, gender, or background.
As Muslims, it is important to address when bullying happens, and more importantly, make it stop. I would like to point out that no matter why someone does it, there is no excuse for bullying. I hope that by writing such a piece, it will empower you if this is a situation you are currently facing.
Read on to identify the signs of bullying, and what to do if you or someone you know is being bullied. Should you need more help, consider reaching out to Muslim Youth helpline (available from 4pm to 10pm everyday, all year) or get professional help. Please don’t stay quiet.
What is bullying?
Bullying is a set of unwanted behaviours or actions that impacts one’s mental health. It can be physical and/or emotional. Examples of physical bullying may include but are not limited to: throwing a person’s belongings with no or little care, kicking, hitting, spitting and dragging or pulling someone.
When it comes to emotional bullying, this gets a little complicated to spot, mainly because we all are different and what is seen as acceptable can be considered to be unacceptable to someone else. The golden rule is to comprehend emotional and physical boundaries, especially if they have let you know. If a person is not ok with one’s actions or behaviours, then this could fall under bullying. Examples of emotional bullying may be name calling, teasing excessively with no care of the victims state of mind, swearing, and in some cases spreading rumours. Social exclusions may also occur which can be classed as psychological or mental abuse.
Another form of bullying is cyber bullying. Unlike the other examples, this bullying takes place online. It can happen to anyone who has an online presence, especially as the bully can hide behind anonymous online accounts. Examples of this kind include bombardments of messages, threatening, harassment, doxxing, and sharing private messages or images.
What to do about bullying?
Now that you can spot the signs of bullying, it is time to address it. You should tell someone you trust like a manager, colleague or teacher if you or someone you know is bullying, or being bullied. In addition, there are groups dedicated to battling bullying that you can access. Often, bullies would blackmail or threaten you not to tell someone, but you should know that the bullies only say this because they know they will not have any power once they are exposed. Whoever you tell, the important thing is that there is action to stop the bullying. If the person you told could not or would not help, do not be disheartened, and find someone who can support you.
If this is online, you can always contact a moderator, and block and remove a person. Also be aware of laws surrounding online abuse, as you may be able to report someone in certain cases.
If you are struggling to speak out against bullying, consider getting a therapist or contact the helpline. Remember you are not alone and bullies have no power in the end. You can do this! I sincerely hope this post acts as a springboard and that you’ll overcome this battle victoriously by Allah.
Written by: A Helpline Volunteer