Bullying myths and facts

There are many myths surrounding bullying issues and some of these myths can often trivialise bullying and suggest those experiencing bullying are making a big deal out of nothing when actually that is not the case. This can undermine how a person feels if they are being bullied. Bullying should not be tolerated in any form. 

We have illustrated some of the main myths and facts. 

Myth: Bullying is a normal part of life and you should just ignore it.
Fact: Bullying is not "normal" or acceptable in any form and ignoring might not always make it stop. If you can, please confide in someone you trust such as a parent, teacher, colleague or friend to help you get it stopped. Bullying can knock your self-esteem and confidence.

Myth: It is ok to retaliate against someone who is bullying you, it will stop it.
Fact: It’s understandable that you may be angry but if you were to get violent or aggressive it may make matters much worse as you may get into trouble too.

Serious forms of bullying is illegal and should be reported...

Myth: Those bullying are born this way, it’s in their genes.
Fact: Those who bully often adopt this behaviour from their environment or sometimes, it’s a reaction from them being bullied by others. Bullying is a learned behaviour. Whatever the case, it is not right.

Myth: Online bullying is just a joke and harmless
Fact: People being bullied online is a very serious issue, the bullying can go viral very quickly and make the problem escalate quickly. It is important to take a screenshot of any conversations, messages or posts that you feel are bullying so that you have a record.

Myth: If bullying was so bad, why don’t they have a law about it?
Fact: Serious forms of bullying is illegal and should be reported to the police including violence or assault, theft, repeated harassment or intimidation, e.g. threats and abusive phone calls, emails or text messages and hate crimes. There are variations in the law across the different states. Contact us for more information.

Myth: Reporting someone who is bullying will make things worse.
Fact: You may worry that reporting someone might make the bullying escalate or they feel they are not believed. It is important to confide in someone you trust so that you can have some help in getting the necessary support to get this stopped.

Myth: It is easy to spot the signs of bullying
Fact: It is not always easy to spot the signs of bullying as it is not always physical and obvious. Emotional, verbal and online bullying can often leave scars that people don’t see.

Myth: Children grow out of bullying
Fact: Quite often children who bully may grow up to be adults who bully or use negative behaviours, unless there has been intervention and their behaviour addressed.