VERBAL BULLYINGWhat If Bullying Happens To You?

Across the world, the issue of bullying has become signi�cant to the law and the evolution of society. As technology progresses, new forms of bullying are created and add to the already devastating e�ect that bullying has on an individual’s life.

According to Australia law... Bullying is de�ned as a “repeated attack, physical, psychological, social or verbal in nature, by those in a position of power … with the intention of causing distress for their own gain or satisfaction”.

In most cases, bullying is associated with school or the workplace, though organizations like the NSW Police Force also recognize bullying as a form of domestic and family violence. One of the most damaging, and increasingly common forms of bullying is verbal bullying. It is important for Australian residents to understand what verbal bullying is, and what to do if it occurs.

WHAT WE’LL COVER?

What is Verbal Bullying?

How is Verbal Bullying Di�erent than Other Forms of Bullying?

What Does the Law say About Verbal Bullying?

What Can You Do to Deal with Verbal Bullying?

How to Prevent Verbal Bullying?

What is

VERBAL BULLYING?

Unlike physical bullying, verbal bullying can take on many forms.

Some of the common manifestations of verbal bullying include:

• Teasing• Name-calling• Spreading rumours• Ostracism• Defamation

By de�nition, verbal bullying is a psychological assault on another human being. Within each of these manifestations, verbal bullying can include verbal attacks on an individual’s gender, race, sexual orientation, or other personal factors.

Think before you speak, you can’t undo the harm and ... the resulting pain.

How is

VERBAL BULLYING Di�erent than Other Forms of Bullying?

The fundamental di�erence between verbal bullying and other forms of bullying is the fact that verbal bullying is a direct psychological attack on an individual, rather than targeting them physically or socially.

Other forms of bullying include:

• Physical Bullying - Any physical attack on an individual, such as pushing, hitting, kicking, slapping, or causing damage to property.

• Social Bullying - Social bullying may include bullying via social media or the internet, email bullying, or defaming the character of the target publicly.

• Sexual Bullying - Sexual bullying may include sexual assault, harassment, or vili�cation of sexual orientation.

• Discrimination - While discrimination and bullying have many similarities, there are speci�c instances where bullying crosses the line into discrimination, which is governed by a speci�c set of laws.

But do you know

WORDS HURT TOO?

Freckle Face Brace Face Worthless Annoying Retard Loner Idiot Ugly

What Does the Law say AboutVERBAL BULLYING?

In Australia, there is no speci�c set of laws governing bullying and the rights of those bullied. However, there are speci�c provisions for bullying in the Equal Opportunity Act 1995, the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004. Each of these pieces of legislation provide guidelines and legal obligations for schools and employers should bullying become apparent.

In addition to the legislation, there have been several court cases providing opinion and precedent for the act of bullying. For example, Gregory v. State of New South Wales [2009] NSWSC 59 demonstrate the importance of protecting the rights of individuals victimized by bullying. In the Gregory v. State of New South Wales case, the court indicated that bullying victims who have su�ered physical or psychological injury could recover damages, which could be signi�cant. In this case example, the court awarded the victim nearly $470,000 for psychological damage.

Australian law also allows bullying victims the option of seeking additional criminal action against bullies, such as �ling assault or battery charges. These acts of civil wrongdoing could have a signi�cant impact on the accused individual, including �nes, criminal proceedings, and punishment.

“I am absolutely sick of all the words that spill out of people's mouths and they don't even care that it might hurt someone else.”

What Can You Do to Deal withVERBAL BULLYING?

Whether you are a student or employee, there are several ways to manage verbal bullying.

How to Deal With Verbal Bullying?

Remain Calm

Even though bullying is emotionally charged, it is important to remain calm and not resort to rudeness or bullying in defense.

Positive In�uences For children, bullying is a terrifying and emotionally damaging experience. Help children focus on the positive relationships with their peers, and guide them away from bullies and unhealthy relationships.

Ignore the Bullying Behaviour Make an e�ort to ignore verbal bullying and try not to take the insults or harsh words to heart. No matter what the circumstance or age demographic of the incident, in many cases, bullies will get bored with individuals who are una�ected by their behaviour, and will move on.

Contact Authorities Verbal bullying is a serious problem, and should be addressed and recti�ed immediate-ly. Students should contact schoolteachers or administrators immediately if they expe-rience bullying at school. Similarly, employees bullied on the job should contact a superior or human resources personnel immediately.

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How to Prevent

VERBAL BULLYING?

Preventing verbal bullying in the workplace or at school can be successful when the right processes and guidelines are followed. While every organization hopes that its participants will behave in a manner of respect and civility, this is not always the case.

1. Create and Enforce a Bullying Policy Any organization can create and enforce a bullying policy that outlines what behaviours are considered bullying, and what the rami�cations of such behaviour include.

2. Develop Positive Relationships

Whether work or school, it is important that individuals in positions of authority carefully build the relationships between the individuals therein, and work diligently to promote a safe, e�ective standard for promotion, reward, punishment, etc.

3. Response Plan Any organization concerned with bullying should have a clear set of guidelines for responding to bullying, such as reporting to authorities, work or school punishments, and protection for victims and other participants.

HOW?

BULLYING HURTS INSIDE AND OUT

FIGHT BACK AGAINSTVERBAL BULLYING

Get the Help You Need

Contact Owen Hodge Lawyers at 1800 770 780 or contact us via email at ohl@owenhodge.com.au

www. owenhodge.com.au

We understand that verbal bullying can take place in many l

clients or customers. At Owen Hodge Lawyers, we provide advice and guidance to employers about workplace matters. We canpoint you in the right direction and provide practical ideas that will assist the resolution of problems at work.