“HARMLESS FUN”
In today’s digital age, the trap of sharing videos further complicates the matter. Bullying has become a public spectacle due to the instant gratification that comes from loves, opinions, and shares on social media.
The harm is amplified by the popular nature of these videos, as children may engage in bullying or perpetuate it in order to gain virtual influence, which leads to the normalization of aggressive behavior.
Bullying frequently leads to a vicious cycle in which a bullied child may rebel against their will to reestablish power or electricity. This “bully-victim” behavior is driven by earlier trauma and a desire to inflict the pain they previously endured.
Astonishingly, not all bullies are completely aware of the damage they impose. Some properly genuinely believe that their activities- name-calling, taunting, or roughhousing- are basically harmless fun.
They might interpret their behavior as humorous banter or rough play among friends, not realizing how emotionally and psychologically vulnerable it can be on their peers.
This lack of emotional consciousness may stem from many factors, including limited advice, exposure to violent behaviour, or weak role models.
Parents, and perhaps teachers have the ability to unwittingly reinforce this behavior by dismissing or avoiding it, as I have encountered. Boy claims like “boys will be kids” or “he was only provoked and had the proper to fight” ignore the need for emotion and accountability.