Mental Health for Education Practice

This report focuses on the severe implications of bullying in education and the stakeholders involved. It discusses the identification of stakeholders, solving issues related to bullying, analysis of communal bias, and designing an action plan.

Running head: Mental health for education practice 1
Mental health for education practice

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Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
Identification of the stakeholders.....................................................................................................2
Solve issues in regards to bullying..................................................................................................3
Analysis of the communal bias associated with bullying................................................................5
Introduction of the problem being solved with justification...........................................................6
Designing of the action plan............................................................................................................8
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................11
References......................................................................................................................................12
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Introduction
The aspect associated with mental well-being received limited attention. It is generally noticed
their has been very limited knowledge on understanding the consequences and the effect of
bullying on the physical and psychological health of an individual. Thus, the report here focuses
on the severe implications which could be brought up by the stakeholders in regards to bullying.
In similar concern, it is equally important to understand the lack of enough knowledge in regards
to bullying.
Identification of the stakeholders
Bullying is a common phenomenon which is being practiced on both, academic and professional
backgrounds. However, based on the previous assignment, it is noticed that the prime focus in
regards to events of bullying is the academic areas associated along. As per the study conducted
by Menesini & Salmivalli (2017), children who are being subjected to intimidation often risk
impaired emotional and social development, coupled with poor school performance. However,
often it gets difficult for the child to share against the bullies because of the underlying fear.
Thus, it becomes equally important on adults/parents to recognize the signs of bullying and
immediately address the same to the concerned.
Thus, it can be stated the assignment places severe importance on the children being bullied. The
second level of significance is placed on the teachers. As pointed out by Smith & Thompson
(2017), bullying in educational institutions such as schools, colleges and even universities is a
common phenomenon. However, things should not be taken up as a casual approach. So, it
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becomes the responsibility of the teacher to identify the bullies and discourage the associated
practices. As supported by Hymel, S., & Swearer (2015), teachers are in close contact with the
students during the academic tenure. Thus, it is essential for the teachers to identify subtle signs
and stop the malpractice associated with bullying
The second person who should be increasingly concerned about the child being bullied is the
parents. As stated by Smith (2016), if the parents feel that their child is being bullied, it is
essential for the parents to talk immediately to the teacher. Often, such a conversation is enough
to make the situation better for the student. Often children are intimidated for silently tolerating
the violent behaviour. This in return makes things worse for the mental health of the students.
Hence, it is essential for the parents to understand and make things right immediately
Solve issues in regards to bullying
I feel that bullying is a phenomenon that is likely to increase with time. You can recognize
bullying through a wide variety of behaviour that is repeatedly done trouble an individual. Often
I have noticed that people tend to ignore bullies as the bullies are seen to start with mild attacks
such as verbal abuse. As stated in the previous section, teachers, parents and even associated
people must work on solving the issues related to bullying.
Communication is an important key that can work on solving issues related to bullying. Children
often enter a state of trauma if they are bullied. A teenager may often consider hitting a form of
bullying, whereas tripping someone is a trivial matter. Thus, it is essential for the parents, to
explain their children to reflect on the consequences of bullying. The statistics provide a clear
idea about the bullies. Following is the condition of bullying in Australia (Volk et al. 2016)
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 The frequency of school bullying is highest among the 5 to 8 years’ students
 83% of the students who are associated with online bullying are additionally seen to be
bullied in person
 85% of the peers witness the bullying play an essential role in the process of intimidation
 Hurtful teasing accounted for the most incidents of bullying, followed by the harmful lies
 Online bullying behaviour was a prevalent phenomenon among older students having
better access to technology
Based on the above statistics, it can be easily stated the impact of bullying has a severe effect on
the national educational domain of Australia. On the global platform, the educational institution
is often identified with the poor scores of the students and the deteriorating image of the
educational institution. Often, we assume that bullying in few places only affect mental health
and can extend to affect the emotional well-being as well. The statement is not wrong; however,
we need to broaden our thinking perspective to understand the problems. That said, immediate
effects may include the injury. Research-based studies were successful in revealing the long term
impacts of bullying over the students. The study provides a clear idea that bullying is often
responsible for affecting the structure of the brain (caudate and putamen). Although not
scientifically established, caudate and putamen impairment can cause problems in the brain
function and impair the events related to remembering and even motivation.
The neuroendocrinology of bullying can be easily linked to stress. Based on my study, I have
gained the knowledge bullying causes stress. Anxiety over a prolonged period makes the cortisol
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hypo-functional, and thus, the mentioned hormone fails to rise in response to stress. Therefore, it
is analyzed that an extended period of stress can affect the circadian rhythm. Also, the change in
circadian rhythm is likely to disrupt the sleeping pattern making it difficult to rest and
concentrate. Conclusively, it can be stated bullying can increase stress disrupting physical
construction.
Analysis of the communal bias associated with bullying
Bullying has been paid limited attention. The community has often associated bullying as a
mistake and taking disadvantage of the innocent. I feel that bullying is a crime and should not be
confused with an error. On the other hand, it is also seen that bullies often suffer as a result of a
lack of empathy. The bullies doesn’t realized the after effects of violence. The absence of
knowledge can be blamed on limited information about the ramification of bullying. Based on
the perception of Smith et al. (2016), people tend to forgive the bullies, due to a high level of
empathy towards their age. However, I feel it is essential to understand that we all have the right
to be what we are without being subjected to bullying. In that regards, we all can conclusively
pledge that I do recognize the bigotry, bias and pain bought about through discrimination. To be
fair and respectful to the people, I personally pledge not to bully anyone based on their gender,
cast, culture, etc. I also promised to look out for the biases within me and try to be considerate
towards the feelings of others. I also feel, it is essential to understand that the community plays a
vital role in understanding the effects associated with bullying. In similar regards, it can be easily
stated educational context in mental health needs to be stressed on for providing better
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understanding. Following are the ways that can be implemented for reducing incidents related to
bullying:
Imparting teaching related to kindness and empathy is essential. I hold a healthy perspective in
regards to the idea students can approach problems from multiple angles are less likely to bully
others. Thus, I think students should be made to take part in events that increase the chances of
minimizing incidents of bullying. From the initial stages, students should be well versed with the
incidents related to empathy. I feel profoundly rooted understanding can solve the problems of
bullying, as bullies are likely to understand the result of their behavior.
On the other hand, fostering a sense of community in the classroom can reduce the incident
related to bullying.
Similarly, I feel the ethnic aspect is known to create bullying related incidents. While some
students’ despite being academically inferior enjoy the perks of superiority only through
bullying, others are known to have a tough time. The communal base of bullying is strongly
engraved among the students.
Introduction of the problem being solved with justification
Although attention to bullying increased among the scholars, the quality of research is uneven.
The incidents in regards to cyberbullying gained immense importance in the recent past with the
advantage of technology. One can readily understand that cyberbullying is a limited fraction of
students being bullied. However, it should be taken into consideration that cyberbullying has
gained immense prominence in recent times, due to increasing awareness among the students.
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The research-based study suggests the fact, that cyberbullying may subject to additional distress
due to invasive and pervasive nature in regards to modern communication technology. The
messages related to cyberbullying can be circulated to distant places. Thus, it can be stated
cyberbullying is ubiquitous and there remains no victimization and refuge.
However, I do have different thinking in regards to bullying. I feel that bullying irrespective of
the location. The persuasive nature of bullying over the internet is not different from other forms
of bullying. As per the study conducted by Palmer& Abbott (2018) for the last 25 years’ people
born during that era, cyberbullying have gained immense high importance in creating problems.
Thus, I feel the development of laws related to anti-bullying is essential. Anti-bullying laws can
be termed as a strategy which can affect the social norms. Hence, I think, maintaining the
effective rules are considered to be the first step which may acts as a suitable way to understand
the fact of devising policy for facilitating on an inclusive environment at schools. Emerging
evidence indicates that anti-bullying policies and laws are effective in reducing bullying. I did
state previously that bullying should be treated strictly; however, I do understand the fact, zero
tolerance towards bullying is likely to have no significant effect in the longer run. Slow
intervention is expected to emerge as an effective way to reduce bullying. Thus, on more
extensive analysis one can suggest employing time series analyses can examine the relationship
between legal policies on bullying behavior over time. The prime intervention as per my
understanding is that it can be implemented by targeting the bullies with empathy. As we
understand that Bullying is known to have adverse effects on the victims causing harm, both
physically and mentally. The ill effects associated with the impact among the bullies are often
ignored because of non-consideration of the age of bullies. However, the age of bullies is usually
made a matter of concern. Juvenile policies to reprimand the wrongdoings gained immense
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importance (Welcomingschools, 2019). However, alternative strategies should not be provided
with prime importance. It is equally important to understand the fact that people need to be told
about the long term adverse effects of bullying. For this, it is essential for the students to
understand the significance of different culture.
Based on the above statistics, it can be easily stated the impact of bullying has a severe effect on
the national educational domain of Australia (Bullying Team, 2018). On the global platform, the
educational institution is often marked with poor scores of the students and the deteriorating
image of the educational institution. Often we tend to feel that bullying in places is limited to
mental health, extending up to emotional well-being. The statement is not wrong; however, we
need to broaden our thinking perspective to understand the problems. That said, immediate
effects may include the injury. Research-based studies were successful in revealing the long term
impacts of bullying over the students. Thus, it can be easily stated the mentioned steps can be
easily implemented through the use of an action plan. The use of an action plan in the next
section can provide a clear understanding of how to use ways for minimizing the incidents and
effects of bullying.
Designing of the action plan
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3
Description of the bullying
that is happening including
the core dates and the
locations that are involved
within the details of the
Description of the core steps,
which I will like to do about
the disease and thus thinking
about the core situation, which
can be stopped and prevented
The further steps that can be
taken for making it happen
and thus including the core
steps that help and push me to
do more better
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behaviour of the small
children
It can be further observed in
the case of the bullying, that
when I try to talk no one can
understand, but the small
children imitate and copies my
style of speaking and thus
makes and takes out a huge
picture from the occurrences.
On the other hand, it can be
observed that he has also
exaggerated all the works
which helped them to laugh
and make fun of me. I feel that
bullying irrespective of the
location. The persuasive
nature of bullying over the
internet is not different from
other forms of bullying. I also
think that cyberbullying has
gained immense high
importance in creating
It can be further noticed that I
did not want to get and let
anyone in the much trouble
and I want to stop the actions
when I feel that I am keeping
anyone in crisis or severe
problem due to my bullying.
However, laughing at me due
to the physically handicapped
behaviour, many people
laughs and mocks at me,
which I cannot stop. I also
tried to stop them, but I felt
that it is not much easy to
make them stop because I
have trouble in my own body
and mind. I always wonder
that someday any kind would
come up to me and will
support me for the further
improvement and
In the last stage, it can be
assessed that I will go to my
dad and will consult about the
matter thus taking unique
ideas from the senior persons.
The finding a good teacher is
always very necessary and
helpful for me, and with them,
I will also get myself more
cured and fit to take
challenges of the external
societal environment. There
are also many friends, who
have supported me throughout
my life and I will take advice
from my well-wishers that
what steps I will have to
follow next. Thus the further
steps that can be taken for
making it happen and thus
including the core steps that
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problems. Thus, I believe the
development of laws related to
anti-bullying is essential.
development in curing up my
bullying problems
help and push me to do better
are also the critical
phenomenon which is much
useful for me during my
journey. That is why I feel that
I am not the loneliest persons
of the earth and I have many
persons who care about me
and think about me.
Table 1: Designing of the action plan for challenging bullying
(Source: Created by the author)
Conclusion
Children who are being subjected to bullying often risk impaired emotional and social
development, coupled with poor school performance. However, often it becomes difficult for the
child to speak up against the bullies due to underlying fear. Thus, it becomes increasingly
important for adults to recognize the signs of bullying and immediately address the same. Hence,
it can be concluded it is essential to understand the implication in regards to bullying and the
ways it can work on creating problem in personal and even academic life of an individual.
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References
Bullying Team (2018) Bullying no way Retrieved from
https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/WhatIsBullying/FactsAndFigures [Retrieved on 4th May
2019]
Hymel, S., & Swearer, S. M. (2015). Four decades of research on school bullying: An
introduction. American Psychologist, 70(4), 293. Retrieved from:
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?
article=1173&context=edpsychpapers [Retrieved on 4th May 2019]
Menesini, E., & Salmivalli, C. (2017). Bullying in schools: the state of knowledge and effective
interventions. Psychology, health & medicine, 22(sup1), 240-253. Retrieved from
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13548506.2017.1279740 [Retrieved on 4th
May 2019]
Palmer, S. B., & Abbott, N. (2018). Bystander responses to bias‐based bullying in schools: A
developmental intergroup approach. Child development perspectives, 12(1), 39-44.
Retrieved from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/cdep.12253 [Retrieved
on 4th May 2019]
Smith, P. K., & Thompson, D. (2017). Practical approaches to bullying. Routledge.
Smith, P. K., Kwak, K., & Toda, Y. (Eds.). (2016). School bullying in different cultures.
Cambridge University Press.
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Volk, A. A., Farrell, A. H., Franklin, P., Mularczyk, K. P., & Provenzano, D. A. (2016).
Adolescent bullying in schools: An evolutionary perspective. In Evolutionary
perspectives on child development and education (pp. 167-191). Springer, Cham.
Retrieved from:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Anthony_Volk/publication/301670151_Adolescent_
Bullying_in_Schools_An_Evolutionary_Perspective/links/5a2fe5f50f7e9b0d50f8b112/
Adolescent-Bullying-in-Schools-An-Evolutionary-Perspective.pdf [Retrieved on 4th May
2019]
Welcomingschools. (2019) Six Key Points on Bullying, Bias, and Schools Retrieved from
http://www.welcomingschools.org/pages/Six-key-points-on-bullying-bias-and-schools/
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