Perpetrators of bullying

Currently, there is a campaign to increase awareness about bullying and collect funds for a communication centre to support children and teenagers facing bullying. This cause is significant to me personally because I experienced bullying during my time in elementary school.

Although I wasn't subjected to physical abuse, my school books weren't taken, and my friends didn't exclude me; however, some individuals managed to make me feel so unimportant that I felt invisible. This experience was incredibly hurtful, and at its lowest point, I dreaded going to school each morning and eagerly anticipated finishing elementary school in my small hometown to escape.

Having undergone counselling and dedicated significant time and effort to address the childhood trauma I endured, my perspective on the bullying I encountered today has naturally evolved from my past view.

I want to clarify that I harbour no resentment towards those who mistreated me. It's essential to recognize that perpetrators require assistance just as much as victims, as there is always an underlying cause behind bullying behaviour. The dynamics of bullying, both being the victim and the aggressor, are not arbitrary.

Understanding the reason behind the bullying I experienced has become clear to me. Coming from a codependent family environment, I could not establish boundaries and recognize that I did not have to tolerate certain behaviours. Consequently, I was unable to assert myself and put an end to the mistreatment. This made me an easy target for those who prey on individuals unable to protect themselves.

In my experience, individuals who commit wrongdoing encounter comparable difficulties to mine but react differently. Instead of isolating themselves and attempting to reduce their impact on the world like I did, perpetrators enhance their self-esteem by disparaging others. Although their aim is not necessarily to cause harm, they diminish others to raise themselves up.

It is essential to avoid making harsh judgments about individuals to prevent bullying. Whether the perpetrators are children or adults, unless they lack moral awareness, there is usually a more profound reason in their psyche or past that clarifies their actions. Rather than seeing offenders as repugnant or negatively influenced, they should be treated with the same level of understanding, compassion, and support as anyone else.