The gap between those who can access and use digital technology and those who can't
When most people think of bullying, they usually think of children being mean to a peer on the school playground. Unfortunately, bullying doesn't always stop once you become an adult. An adult bully can be an intimidating
or colleague, a stranger on the street, an abusive romantic partner—the list goes on. In this gallery, we look at the different types of adult bullies, and what you can do as a victim, bystander, or, yes, even a perpetrator.
Ready? Click on to find out how to handle adult bullying.
Adults who engage in bullying are usually more likely to do so in ways that are not physical. However, there can be cases in which physical abuse occurs alongside bullying. When it comes to adult bullying, the perpetrators tend to fall into specific categories.
An adult bully with narcissistic tendencies can be so self-involved that they may ignore the needs of those around them. When they choose to bully other adults, they often do so because they lack empathy or fear of potential consequences. They generally experience self-esteem issues, which can lead to a compulsion to humiliate other people.
This type of adult bully tends to engage in sporadic and uncontrolled bullying. Sometimes they bully when they're under stress or going through a tough time, which, of course, doesn't excuse it.
Physical adult bullies typically perpetuate bullying by hitting, kicking, slapping, or otherwise physically assaulting others. They may also stalk, steal from, or destroy the personal property of their targets. A physical bully may experience challenges with anger management and other potential psychological issues.
Verbal adult bullies tend to use their words to belittle people, and can be considered passive-aggressive. Some verbal adult bullies may spread rumors, gossip about others, and otherwise use words to hurt their targets.
Secondary adult bullies can be defined as witnesses to the actions of the bully who generally choose to join in so they won't become the bully's next target. They're most likely afraid to speak out against the bully's behavior.
If you're the victim of an adult bully, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself. Remember: you don't need to accept these kinds of behaviors.
If the bullying is occurring at work, discuss it with a supervisor or human resources.
Eye contact can be important, as bullies have less empathy when they can't see your face or your eyes.
Choosing how to react depends on the amount and severity of the bullying behaviors. If the behavior is not excessive or harmful, you may want to keep your distance. Therefore, consider picking your battles if it isn't directly harmful to you.
If you work in an office, ask to move your desk far away from the bully or limit your interactions with them whenever possible.
It might be hard, but do your best not to take the situation personally; this person is a serial bully.
There are several things that bystanders to bullying can do. To start with, you can utilize humor to redirect the conversation.
Question the behavior of the bully to shift the focus of the interaction. Getting someone to explain their bullying can help them see they're in the wrong.
Bystanders can intervene as a group to show their disagreement with the bullying.
Walk with the person who is the victim of the bullying to help defuse potential interactions.
In many cases with bullies, they may have had a traumatic childhood and regularly endured domestic violence or other forms of abuse. Therefore, if you're a perpetrator, consider seeking emotional support or therapy.
Even if you're not on the receiving end, research has shown that even witnessing workplace bullying is associated with an increased risk of developing depressive symptoms. For victims, you may have trouble sleeping, feel paranoid, and/or experience increased anxiety.
Sources: (Verywell Mind) (Psychology Today)
How to handle adult bullying
It doesn't always stop when you leave the playground
LIFESTYLE Human relations
When most people think of bullying, they usually think of children being mean to a peer on the school playground. Unfortunately, bullying doesn't always stop once you become an adult. An adult bully can be an intimidating boss or colleague, a stranger on the street, an abusive romantic partner—the list goes on. In this gallery, we look at the different types of adult bullies, and what you can do as a victim, bystander, or, yes, even a perpetrator.
Ready? Click on to find out how to handle adult bullying.