
What Is Bullying Really?
Despite growing awareness, confusion persists about what constitutes bullying. Media outlets often conflate true bullying with other behaviors, attitudes, or isolated acts of violence.
By definition, bullying refers to a form of deviant interaction among children or adolescents, where one individual engages in aggression or domination, and another is unwillingly cast into the role of victim.
In Italy, bullying became a recognized social issue in the late 1990s when media reports, preceding scientific studies, began to highlight incidents of domineering behavior, sometimes inaccurately labeled as bullying.
While aggressive or domineering children have always existed, the difference between past and present lies in the social dynamic. Previously, even those teased or mocked remained included in the group, avoiding the isolation and marginalization now associated with bullying.
Today, bullying affects nearly every school, involving not only bullies and victims but also bystanders—students who neither bully nor are bullied but are well aware of the dynamics at play. Bullying, therefore, isn’t just an isolated act of violence; it is a systemic issue within a relational context where power imbalances dominate.
Society’s Role in Fostering Bullying
Social research indicates that economic and social transformations have altered societal values. Western societies increasingly tolerate domination, driven by high competitiveness and personal gain—elements that create relational environments where children grow and where bullying can thrive.
Characteristics of Bullying
A defining feature of bullying is its persistent and ongoing nature. Unlike one-time acts of vandalism (e.g., flooding a school to avoid an exam), bullying manifests as sustained, daily actions.
It often takes months or even over a year before teachers or families become aware of the hidden issue. This persistence can lead victims to internalize their role, developing associated problems such as low self-esteem or depressive symptoms. Continuous aggression isolates victims, resulting in severe emotional and psychological consequences.
How to Address Bullying
Intervention strategies must operate on multiple levels.
At the School Level:Teachers, students, and parents all play crucial roles in addressing bullying.
At the Individual Level:Attention must be directed at both the victim and the bully. Bullies, too, require support to develop the skills necessary for healthy personal and social growth.
Conclusion
Bullying is a complex web of social, emotional, and behavioral dynamics that extends beyond isolated acts of aggression. It thrives on persistence, creating isolation and suffering for victims. Modern societal shifts, characterized by competitiveness and changing values, provide fertile ground for such behaviors. Addressing bullying requires both individual and collective efforts to create a safe and nurturing environment for all.
 Written by
Dr Elizabeth Moore, Psychologist
(consultation only in Italian)
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Bibliography
Dan Olweus, Bullismo a scuola, ragazzi oppressi e ragazzi che opprimono, Giunti Ed., 2007
Daniele Fedeli, Bullismo oltre, Vannini Ed, 2007
Roberto Trinchero, Io non ho paura, Franco Angeli Ed, 2013
Emilia Manesini, Bullismo che fare? Prevenzione e strategie d'intervento nella scuola, Giunti Ed., 2000
External resources
If you wish to explore the topic of psychological manipulation further and find relevant articles and studies, consider these important academic and institutional resour
Centro Nazionale di Prevenzione e Difesa SocialeOffre informazioni e risorse sul bullismo, compresi studi e articoli su come affrontarlo.Link: Centro Nazionale di Prevenzione e Difesa Sociale
American Psychological Association (APA)Fornisce articoli e risorse sulla psicologia del bullismo e le sue conseguenze.Link: American Psychological Association
Bullying Research NetworkRete dedicata alla ricerca sul bullismo, con articoli accademici e risorse per educatori e genitori.Link: Bullying Research Network
UNESCOPubblica report e guide sul bullismo e sulla necessità di creare ambienti scolastici sicuri.Link: UNESCO
European CommissionFornisce informazioni e campagne contro il bullismo e la violenza tra i giovani in Europa.Link: European Commission