Bullying Hypnosis Script

In March, 2008 People Magazine reported yet another tragic consequence of adolescent bullying. In the computer lab of an Oxnard, California middle school 14 year old Brandon McInerney shot fifteen year old Larry King twice in the head.

Bullying behaviour is an outgrowth of general aggressive behaviour. Bullying can be loosely defined by the following commonalities; the bullying behaviour is intentional, the social status and/or physical strength is unequal between bully and victim, and there is physical and/or social intimidation repeatedly over time. Despite attention from the mass media including the US federal government's National School Safety Center's Safe School Initiative incidence of bullying are basically consistent across urban, suburban and rural settings in the United States and abroad. The report estimated that between eight percent and fifteen percent of the general school population is involved in bullying each year.

Children are victimized by others who exert an imbalance of power to harm or distress them. The problem can begin as early as preschool and last through adulthood. According to Tony Attwood who writes extensively on the subject bullying typically happens in the form of verbal and physical intimidation, destroying personal property, and making rude comments or gestures.

Bullying most likely takes place when the individual is alone.

Long term mental health difficulties have been reported for both bullies and victims as a result of bullying. Follow up studies with adults victims of childhood bullying demonstrated that social difficulties persisted well beyond the time when actual incidents of bullying stopped. The consequences of being a victim of bullying include developing a seemingly irrational fear of school and increased risk of truancy or dropping out. Victims of bullying are far more likely to bring weapons to school to protect themselves. Victims in general reveal and overall average to below-average rate of adult criminal behaviour but remain at higher risk for suicide over the long term.

Other signs of being a victim of bullying include:

• Missing or damaged items or clothes
• Unexplained cuts or bruises
• Sudden headaches or stomach aches
• Sleep problems
• Sudden changes in attitudes toward school
• Sudden violent reactions to others
• Sudden newfound interest in violence, weapons, or self-defense
• New bullying behavior around, younger friends, sibling, or pets