How bullying occurs and the signs of how it starts

The Gradual Process of Bullying

Bullying rarely begins with an explicit physical or verbal aggression. Its establishment is almost always a gradual, slow and subtle process, which makes it difficult to detect early.

It often begins with seemingly harmless group dynamics, such as teasing or name-calling.

The aggressor, or group of aggressors, uses these interactions to "test" the victim and the group's response.

If the victim shows vulnerability or discomfort, and the group of observers reacts with laughter or passivity, the aggressor receives positive reinforcement. This initial phase evolves into social exclusion.

The child begins to be left out of games, group work or conversations.

Later, rumors and social manipulation emerge, undermining the victim's reputation.

Only when the aggressor feels that he/she has social control and that the victim is isolated, does the harassment usually escalate to more direct forms, such as public insults, psychological intimidation (looks, veiled threats) and, finally, physical aggression or damage to belongings.

This gradual process is what "normalizes" the violence in the eyes of the group, making each new step seem only slightly worse than the last.

Early Warning Signs (Victim Indicators)

Detecting bullying in its early stages depends on observing subtle but consistent changes in the victim's behavior. These signs are, in essence, the outward manifestation of fear and anxiety.

On a physical level, recurrent psychosomatic symptoms are common: headaches, stomach problems, nausea or vomiting, especially in the mornings before going to school.

Sleep disorders such as nightmares or insomnia may also appear. At the behavioral level, the clearest sign is avoidance.

The child develops a sudden refusal to go to school, looking for excuses or feigning illness.

There is an abrupt drop in academic performance and a loss of interest in studying.

Unexplained "loss" of school material, money or belongings, which in reality have been stolen or damaged by the aggressors, is frequent.

Socially, the child becomes isolated, stops talking about friends or school, and is reluctant to participate in activities he or she once enjoyed.

Emotionally, the child becomes more irritable, sad, anxious or has disproportionate outbursts of anger at home.

These drastic changes in his or her usual character are a red flag indicating deep distress.

Summary

The consequences of bullying on the victim are devastating, primarily affecting their mental health. It manifests itself through high levels of anxiety, severe depression and a profound erosion of self-esteem.

This impact is transferred to the academic environment, causing a drop in performance. Lack of concentration and school absenteeism are avoidance strategies in the face of constant fear in the educational environment.

Socially, the victim tends to isolate him/herself and develops a great distrust of his/her peers. This reclusion makes it difficult to create support networks, perpetuating their vulnerability to the aggressor.