Bullying and “The Audience Effect”

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Let’s face it. We all act differently in public than we do in private. Every single one of us- you, me, everyone. For instance, you certainly wouldn’t take off your clothes and run around in your underwear in public.

Also, to a small degree, we tailor our actions and responses according to who is present at a given time. Why? Because the people around us are always evaluating us whether we know it or not.

For instance,

bullies will tailor their behavior according to their audience. If they think the people around them will get fun and entertainment out of seeing them bully, they will continue. Also, if the bullies expect bystanders and authority to turn a blind eye, they will continue bullying. And they will mercilessly bully that target without fail.

Even worse,

if the bullies catch on that everyone- even the bystanders and witnesses, share an intense hatred of the target, not only will they continue to bully that target, but they will mercilessly escalate the torment. Because, if everyone hates the target, that’s when there are absolutely no boundaries, no limits, to the level of abuse the bullies will inflict.

On the other hand, what if the bullies think there’s even a possibility that the audience will sympathize with the target?

If the bullies think there’s a chance the audience might call them out on their abuse and help the target, you can bet they’ll likely stop the abuse. And, in the future, the bullies will more than likely think twice before bullying the target again.

Again,

If the target has no friends and isn’t supported, the bullies will bully that target without fail. However, if the target has friends, allies, and supporters, the bullies will likely leave that person alone and go find an easier target who has fewer friends, allies, and supporters or none at all.

Therefore, you must find ways to make friends and garner support if ever you find yourself in the cross hairs of bullies. I cannot stress enough the importance of a support system- even if it’s an outside support system. Not only will you be safer and more secure, but your mental health won’t suffer nearly as much.

With knowledge comes empowerment!

0 thoughts on “Bullying and “The Audience Effect”

    • cheriewhite says:

      Thank you so much, Simone! I’m so happy to hear from you! 💖💐 And I’m happy that you’re either approaching or already in your seventh month! That little angel will be here before you know it! 😊🤗💖🥰😍

  1. Mama Games says:

    Love this so much!
    As a mother of 3 teenagers/preteen bullying is no joke kids are cruel and even more so now than when i was younger. These kids will pick on others for anything even down to the color of their socks !
    It is time to take a stand and show our kids that this is not the right way and hurting others will only hurt you in the end!

    • cheriewhite says:

      Thank you so much, Mama Games! ❤️ And you’re absolutely right. 💯 Kids need to be taught that bullying is not okay and that yes, it can come back to bite them in the end. Bullying is done by kids who aren’t mentally healthy.

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