Falcon1

Arizbel Falcon

Mr. Power

English 1302

20 February 2024

Framing Academic Debates and Differences of Opinion

Bullying has received significant attention in recent years, both in academic and public

discourse. Defined as repeated aggressive behavior intended to cause harm, bullying

manifests in various forms. Including physical, verbal, relational, and cyberbullying. Over

time, the efforts to address bullying have intensified.

Hannah J. Thomas, author of “Integrating Traditional Bullying and Cyberbullying:

Challenges of Definition and Measurement in Adolescents – a Review” states that the

“...definitional criteria of intent to harm, repetition, and power imbalance are widely used

as a means of distinguishing bullying from other forms of aggression.” While this is the

best way to define bullying there are many plausible ways to define the act of bullying. As

you read, this definition has the best way of describing bullying in a short statement.

Furthermore, contextual factors complicate the definition of bullying, promoting

discussions on the definition of bullying.

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Debates also revolve around the root cause and risk factors associated with bullying.

Psychological, sociological, and environmental factors are often cited, ranging from

individual traits and sometimes family dynamics or influences and systemic inequalities.

Many emphasize factors such as “...(family, peers, school climate) and distal (i.e.,

societal, cultural influences)”, this can also stir up a debate only because many bullies

might not all come from the same background and might even come from different families

but usually, they come from broken homes/families.

In conclusion, the pervasive issue of bullying stands as a pivotal problem that inflicts deep

and lasting wounds on its victims. It is not merely a rite of passage or an insignificant hurdle

of youth, but a significant problem that can have profound psychological, emotional, and

social consequences. The scars left by bullying can shape the self-esteem, social

relationships, and overall well-being of those targeted, often carrying into adulthood. As a

society, it is imperative that we acknowledge the gravity of bullying and its effects on

individuals. We must foster environments that promote kindness, inclusivity, and respect,

where bullying is not tolerated. By implementing comprehensive anti-bullying programs,

providing support for victims, and educating youth about the repercussions of such

behavior, we can work towards eradicating this detrimental issue and ensure a safer, more

compassionate world for all.

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Work Cited

Swearer, Susan M., and Shelley Hymel. “Understanding the Psychology of Bullying: Moving

Toward a Social-Ecological Diathesis-Stress Model.” The American Psychologist,

vol. 70, no. 4, 2015, pp. 344–53,

https://doi.org/10.1037/a0038929

Thomas, Hannah, et al. “Integrating Traditional Bullying and Cyberbullying: Challenges of

Definition and Measurement in Adolescents - a Review.” Educational Psychology

Review, vol. 27, no. 1, Mar. 2015, pp. 135–52. EBSCOhost,

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-014-9261-7.