Bullying and Aggression in Teens
What is Bullying? According to the American Psychological Association, Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior in which someone intentionally and repeatedly causes another person injury or discomfort. Bullying can take the form of physical contact, words or more subtle actions. The bullied individual typically has trouble defending him or herself and does nothing to “cause” the bullying.
What is Aggression? Merriam-Webster defines aggression as injurious and hostile behavior; the practice of making attacks; a forceful action especially when intended to dominate or master.
Forms of Bullying
- Physical – hitting, pushing, spitting
- Verbal – name-calling, teasing, rumor spreading
- Non-verbal – gestures or mocking; excluding from social activities
- Cyber – threatening or mean voice, text or instant messages and emails; sexting; posting embarrassing photos; spreading rumors using online social media
In recent years with readily available technology, namely cells phones, cyber-bullying is becoming an increasing problem as a form of teen violence. The statistics are alarming. According to studies by i-SAFE, Harford County Examiner and Cyberbullying Research Center approximately half of teens and adolescents have experienced cyberbullying.
Bullying and aggressive behavior typically occurs in places where there is a lack of adult supervision. Bullying behavior is often reinforced by peers. Teens that exhibit bullying and aggressive behavior need to learn to behave properly and to understand why they hurt others. We can help our students see that they are mostly hurting themselves when they mistreat others in this way.
Our staff members are trained and encouraged to be effective leaders by serving as teachers or coaches who hold the young men responsible for working on problems and to act as limit setters and good listeners.
The clinicians at Triumph Youth Services are highly trained and have extensive experience working with adolescent youth. Our clinicians are licensed and approved as mental health professionals to provide individual, group and family therapy.
Call Triumph Youth Services. We are here to help
