In a recent episode of the "Deep Dive" podcast, experts shed light on the troubling issue of bullying in schools, aiming to explore its complex causes and the evolving nature of this behavior.

What Drives Individuals to Bully?

Host Steven Chia posed crucial questions: "What drives individuals to bully? Have the underlying causes changed over time?" To address these inquiries, counselor Sean Ng emphasized the importance of considering both evident signs and latent issues that perpetuate bullying. He recounted his experience with a primary school student who exhibited extreme emotional outbursts, leading to instances of aggression towards peers. "The environment someone grows up in plays a significant role in shaping their behavior," Ng noted.

The Role of Online Media

Adding depth to the discussion, Crispina Robert highlighted the alarming prevalence of violent bullying incidents captured in videos circulating online. "These clips often depict severe violence, leading to real injuries. Is this a new phenomenon?" she asked. Sean Ng suggested that while the extent of violence may not have drastically changed, peer pressure dynamics have likely intensified. "In many cases, we see bystanders and peers complicit in the situation, which amplifies the bullying."

Peer Dynamics in Secondary School

Cheung Hoi Shan, an assistant professor at the National Institute of Education (NIE), elaborated on the social aspect of bullying during the critical secondary school years. "Teenagers are particularly influenced by peer dynamics, and recent incidents prominently feature this group."

School Initiatives and Support

In response to growing concerns, Singapore's Ministry of Education (MOE) has initiated programs to train peer supporters within schools. These students act as vigilant observers, identifying stressful situations among their classmates and alerting teachers when necessary. This dual approach aims to provide support for both the victims and the aggressors, recognizing that bullying behavior often stems from underlying issues that require attention.

Challenges in Reporting Bullying

Nevertheless, the complexity of the situation remains. Crispina Robert pointed out that many students may hesitate to report bullying incidents to educators. Former victim Cindy Chu shared her personal struggle, revealing that a lack of trusted adults made her hesitant to seek help: "I didn't want to appear weak in front of my peers, which deterred me from reaching out."

A Collective Responsibility

Bullying is not just a personal issue; it reflects broader societal challenges. Factors such as family dynamics, mental health struggles, and societal expectations all intertwine, making it crucial for schools, families, and communities to collaborate in creating supportive environments for students. As conversations around this topic continue, it's essential to foster open channels of communication and understanding to combat this detrimental behavior effectively.

By addressing the root causes of bullying and empowering peer support systems, we can take significant strides toward nurturing healthier school environments where every student feels safe and valued.