Permissive Culture of Bullying

-
Bullying is the intentional act to belittle and dehumanize an individual. Bullying takes on various forms from cyber bullying to bullying in schools. Bullying inflicts deep-seated emotional and psychological harm that can last a lifetime resulting in low self-esteem, decreased academic performance and social isolation. Sadly, there is a permissive culture of bullying where bullying behaviours are tolerated, normalized and even rewarded. As a result, many turn a blind eye to this crippling and debilitating social issue. The historical and systemic inequalities in the education system lend themselves to anxiety and depression for stakeholders. Therefore, it should come as no surprises that there is an uptick in deaths by suicide among Jamaican students. Many students feel unsupported and overwhelmed. In 2022, 64 suicides were recorded, moving up from 51 in 2021. Males continue to outnumber females regarding suicides. We oftentimes discount the psychological well being of our students. According to the World Health Organization, one in seven adolescents globally experiences a mental disorder, with anxiety, depression and behavioural challenges being most common. Sadly, many of these mental health challenges frequently become barriers to the teaching and learning process. Over time, the person being bullied can develop mental health issues. Stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health issues have historical and cultural groundings. Around 130 million, or one-in-three children worldwide, experience some form of bullying. According to the United Nations the term “bullying” covers physical, psychological and sexual violence (understood in this context to mean sex-related mockery and gender-based discrimination), very little data is available on the psychological occurrence of it, and countries must do more to gain a better understanding of this issue. UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) report shows that girls and boys are equally affected overall by bullying, but that boys are more likely to suffer from physical violence. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It exists on a continuum from optimal functioning to severe distress and is experienced differently by each person. It is influenced by a combination of individual, social, and structural factors. Risks such as genetics, substance use, poverty, violence, and inequality can undermine well-being, especially during sensitive stages like childhood. Unfortunately, our schools are oftentimes the sites of conflicts and discord given the diverse backgrounds based on values and beliefs. This is the reality for so many students and therefore needs urgent attention. In many instances, there are not enough guidance counsellors or even trusted individuals for students to reach out to. Those students who are deemed as being different are usually targeted by bullies. Boys who are sensitive and show their emotions are often targeted. Suicide in Jamaica has reached a point where it is beyond a crisis and has now entered the realm of an epidemic. Additionally, there is oftentimes a dominant strand of toxic masculinity that is pervasive in many schools. There is direct link between toxic masculinity and mental health. Toxic masculinity is the way men are culturally trained and socially pressured to behave. Toxic Masculinity counters mental and physical health treatment even when injured or emotionally struggling. Suppressing mental health issues, such as depression, trauma, and anxiety can worsen symptoms, and precipitate isolation from family and friends, and may eventually lead to suicide. A national dialogue is needed. Importantly, bullying also takes place within the education system from some authority figures who wield power and influence, which they use to inflict both tangible and intangible harm to those they view as less worthy. Social Justice. Where there is an absence of social justice bullying takes center stage. Social justice is a communal effort dedicated to creating and sustaining a fair and equal society in which each person and all groups are valued and affirmed. It encompasses efforts to end systemic violence and racism and all systems that devalue the dignity and humanity of any person. It recognizes that the legacies of past injustices remain all around us. It promotes efforts to empower individual and communal action in support of restorative justice and the full implementation of human and civil rights. Changing the narrative surrounding suicide is vital in fostering a culture of empathy and compassion for those who are struggling with their mental health. In a culture that is quick to assign labels and judge, changing the narrative means listening and guiding individuals where possible towards help. Our educational institutions must have clear policy guidelines about bullying as bullying is frequently a police matter. Suicide prevention should be a national priority. Seeking mental health support is a sign of strength and resilience than weakness especially as more and more families are being negatively impacted by suicide. The Ministry of Health has a suicide helpline (888-639-5433) where mental health support is available. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo ©

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

International Men's Day

-
Image
“International Men’s Day has the potential to become the global medium to heal our world. The concept and themes of International Men’s Day are designed to give hope to the depressed, faith to the lonely, comfort to the broken-hearted, transcend barriers, eliminate stereotypes and create a more caring humanity.”- Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh. At times it appears there is a double standard regarding how societies put in place measures concerning the observation and celebration of manhood and masculinity. Men are socialized to be rough and tough. Interestingly, this gendered socialization is perpetuated by many women in the societies given that so many of our families are female-headed households. Men who championed men’s rights are oftentimes viewed with suspicion; however, the same microscope is not applied to women who championed women’s rights. In fact there are very few organizations which are dedicated to the empowerment of our men and boys. The structure of most education systems ...
Read more

Rover Was Special

-
Image
“Dogs come into our lives to teach us about love, they depart to teach us about loss. A new dog never replaces an old dog, it merely expands the heart. If you have loved many dogs your heart is very big.”- Erica Jong. He was lifted one last time. After an agonizing consultation with my mother and brother a decision was arrived at. I knew this day was coming. Rover was no pup; he was ten years old with a growing number of health issues. He was no longer the frisky Rover, had became lethargic. In recent times Rover’s abdomen became extended. Upon examination the vet, ordered her assistant to draw fluid from his abdomen. The drawn fluid had traces of blood. Rover was not going to get better. His condition was one of management that would require him to be on a particular drug until death. I braced myself for Rover’s prognosis. In the last few weeks he had lost his aggressive and adventurous personality. Yes, dogs do have personalities. The panting almost gasping was more frequent. He h...
Read more

National Bird Day

-
Image
“Wherever there are birds, there is hope.”- Mehmet Murat Ildan. Birds have always held a special place in our hearts. According to Born Free USA , nearly 12 percent of the world's almost 10,000 bird species are in danger of extinction. Regrettably, each year, millions of birds are captured from the wild or produced in captivity for commercial profit or human amusement, only to waste away in conditions that fail to meet the instinctive behavioral and physical needs of these wild animals. National Bird Day , celebrated on January 5 each year, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of birds in our ecosystems and their conservation. The day encourages people to appreciate the beauty, diversity, and significance of birds while promoting efforts to protect their habitats. National Bird Day was first established in 2002 by the Avian Welfare Coalition. The day not only draws attention to the pressing issues of bird extinction and habitat destruction but also encoura...
Read more