Swirlies facts for kids

A swirly is a type of bullying that involves unwanted physical contact and humiliation. It is a harmful act that can make someone feel scared, embarrassed, and unsafe. Bullying, in any form, is never okay and can have serious negative effects on everyone involved.

Understanding Bullying

Bullying is when someone repeatedly and intentionally hurts or scares another person. This can happen in many ways, and it's always about one person trying to have power over another. It's important to know that bullying is not just a one-time event; it usually happens over and over again.

What is Bullying?

Bullying is a serious problem that affects many young people. It's not just about being mean; it's about someone using their power to hurt or control another person. This power can come from being physically stronger, more popular, or even having more information about someone. The goal of a bully is often to make the other person feel small, afraid, or helpless.

Types of Bullying

Bullying can take many different forms. It's not always physical, and it can happen in person or online. Understanding the different types can help you recognize it when it happens.

Physical Bullying

Physical bullying involves hurting someone's body or damaging their belongings. This can include hitting, kicking, pushing, tripping, or even unwanted physical acts like a "swirly." A swirly is a specific type of physical bullying where someone forces another person's head into a toilet. This act is very harmful because it is physically dangerous, humiliating, and can cause serious emotional distress. Other examples of physical bullying include stealing or breaking someone's things.

Verbal Bullying

Verbal bullying uses words to hurt someone. This can include name-calling, teasing, insulting, making fun of someone's appearance or background, or spreading rumors. Even if no physical harm is done, verbal bullying can be very painful and damaging to a person's self-esteem.

Social Bullying

Social bullying, sometimes called relational bullying, is about hurting someone's reputation or relationships. This can involve leaving someone out on purpose, spreading gossip, telling others not to be friends with someone, or embarrassing someone in public. Social bullying can make a person feel lonely and isolated.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying happens online, using digital devices like phones, computers, and tablets. It can involve sending mean texts, posting embarrassing photos or videos, spreading rumors online, or creating fake profiles to harass someone. Cyberbullying can be especially hard to escape because it can happen anywhere, anytime, and reach a wide audience very quickly.

Why Bullying is Harmful

Bullying has serious negative effects on everyone involved, not just the person being bullied.

For the person being bullied, it can lead to:

• Feeling sad, anxious, or depressed
• Having trouble sleeping or eating
• Losing interest in school or activities they once enjoyed
• Feeling sick often (like headaches or stomachaches)
• Having low self-esteem and feeling worthless
• Feeling unsafe at school or online

Even the bully can be negatively affected. Bullies often have their own problems and may struggle with anger, empathy, or understanding how their actions affect others. They might also face consequences like suspension from school or difficulty making real friends.

Bystanders, who witness bullying, can also be affected. They might feel guilty for not helping, scared that they could be next, or confused about what to do.

What to Do About Bullying

If you or someone you know is being bullied, it's important to remember that you are not alone and it's not your fault. There are things you can do to get help and stop the bullying.

• Tell a trusted adult: This is the most important step. Talk to a parent, teacher, school counselor, coach, or another adult you trust. They can help you figure out a plan to stop the bullying and keep you safe.
• Don't respond to the bully: If possible, try to ignore the bully. Bullies often want a reaction, and not giving them one can sometimes make them stop.
• Walk away: If you can, remove yourself from the situation.
• Be a friend: If you see someone else being bullied, stand up for them if it's safe to do so, or get help from an adult. Even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
• Keep records: If the bullying is happening online, save screenshots or messages as evidence. This can be helpful when you report it to an adult.
• Remember your worth: Bullying does not define you. Focus on your strengths, hobbies, and the people who care about you.

Bullying is a serious issue, and everyone deserves to feel safe and respected. By working together, we can create a kinder and more supportive environment for everyone.