Bullying and Emotional Manipulation in Classroom Environment

Abstract

School bullying, as a form of victimization, is distinguished by its intentionality, power differential, and repetition. It is a form of psychological manipulation, more subtle and thus more sinister than physical acts alone. Types of bullying encompass verbal, physical, and relational aggression. This has been exacerbated by cyberbullying, which has provided children with a level of anonymity to engage in their vicious campaigns outside the walls of the school. They are reinforced by the peer context within which these behaviours are employed and flourish in unsupportive school cultures. The stakes are high and irreversible. The effects of victimization on both disengagement and achievement suggest that victimization represents a risk factor for school dropout. Psychological symptoms include anxiety, depression, social isolation, and somatic symptoms. Such trauma may also impact the functioning of the stress response system and increase risk for the students’ psychopathology. Therefore, the school leadership should focus on establishing a supportive school environment to the learning activity of the students.