Final Paper PSY3135

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University of Ottawa *

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3105

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Psychology

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Feb 20, 2024

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pdf

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Child Bullying and its Impact on Social Development University of Ottawa PSY 3135[A]: Social Development of the Child December 20, 2022
1 Bullying is a phenomenon that can occur at any point during an individual's life, but most frequently, bullying occurs during childhood and adolescence. The prevalence of childhood bullying is alarmingly high, as 7 in 10 youth in Canada experience a form of bullying in their lifetime. According to a survey done in 2019 by Statistics Canada, 71% of youth aged 12 to 17 reported experiencing a form of bullying within the past year (Statistics Canada, 2019). Bullying is described as a form of recurring aggression that exists when there is a power imbalance. It takes many forms, including verbal, physical, social, and more recently, cyberbullying. Unfortunately, due to the increase in use of technology over the past few decades, online bullying has become increasingly easy, as perpetrators can access their victims' online profiles within a few searches. The use of the internet amongst youth has become increasingly popular, as about 80% of Canadian youth reported going online at least weekly, to use platforms such as social media, and online games. This rise in online media consumption has affected the rates of cyberbullying as 1 in 4 adolescents reported experiencing cyberbullying within the past year (Statistics Canada, 2019). The steady increase of bullying rates amongst children and adolescents has a major influence on the increase in youth mental health issues across Canada. Of the youth who reported experiencing a form of bullying monthly, 72% of those adolescents reported that their lives were stressful (Statistics Canada, 2019). The younger generation has consequently suffered psychological harm as a result of the increase in bullying incidents, whether in the form of physical bullying or the prevalence of cyberbullying. Research reveals a concerning association between bullying encounters, and the development of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions in young Canadians (Azevedo Da Silva et al., 2020). The negative consequences from bullying can persist into adulthood, including lack of social interactions,
2 isolation, poor mental health, and poor self-image. These consequences are not limited to the time that the bullying occurs. It is necessary to implement support and quick interventions to lessen the rise of these mental health issues and create a more secure space for adolescents. To establish the role of bullying and its effects on children's social development, a literature review will be conducted to further explore and affirm the challenges that adolescents face due to bullying. A few theories visited in class relate back to the psychological concept of bullying, and why it happens. These theories include Social Learning Theory, Social Cognitive Theory, and Social Comparison. By comparing these theories and their effects, further understanding is gained to aid in comprehending the psychological behaviours involved in bullying. Social Learning Theory, developed by Albert Bandura, proposes that individuals learn behaviours by observing others and the consequences of those behaviours. According to this belief, children and teens who observe bullying may mimic aggressive behaviour, particularly if they see it rewarded or going unpunished. When children witness bullying behaviours by classmates, the media, or others occurring without consequences, they may internalize these behaviours as an acceptable means of resolving disagreements (Azevedo Da Silva et al., 2020). As a result, this theory emphasizes how important social environment, modeling, and reinforcement are to perpetuating bullying behaviours amongst youth. Knowing and understanding the implications of Social Learning Theory shows the importance of having good role models and immediate consequences for aggressive behaviour. Rewarding kindness, and promoting positive behaviours are important to encourage, especially amongst impressionable youth.
3 Social Cognitive Theory, also rooted in Albert Bandura's work, similarly focuses on how cognitive processes, including thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes, influence behaviour. In the context of bullying, this theory emphasizes that individual perceptions about aggression, power, and social norms play an important role in shaping behaviours. Bullying is more likely to occur in children and adolescents who believe in using aggression to accomplish goals or to improve their social status (Swearer et al., 2014). Additionally, individuals who think that engaging in violence could result in beneficial outcomes may be more likely to continue this kind of behaviour (Swearer et al., 2014). In order to manage bullying situations involving adolescents, Social Cognitive Theory emphasizes the importance of addressing cognitive biases and incorrect beliefs about violence and power dynamics. The basic principles of this theory can flip, and instead reinforce interventions that can change these attitudes, encourage positive behaviours, and positive conflict resolution techniques. Social Comparison Theory, proposed by Leon Festinger, suggests that individuals determine their own social and personal worth based on how they compare to others. This theory is important in the discussion around bullying since adolescents frequently compare themselves to their peers in social settings (Jiang et al., 2019). In order to improve their own perceived status within the group, children and adolescents who feel inferior or different from their peers, particularly in terms of social status, attractiveness, or accomplishments, may turn to bullying others. On the other hand, people who experience insecurity as a result of social comparisons may become the targets of bullying (Azevedo Da Silva et al., 2020). In order to lessen the negative effects of social comparison and lower the occurrence of bullying, it is necessary to teach acceptance of diversity, positive self-esteem, and encourage an inclusive environment
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