NFL Bullying

           The topic of bullying has come to the forefront once again. This time it is due to the NFL scandal surrounding the Miami Dolphin guard, Richie Incognito. He has been suspended indefinitely as a direct result of his treatment of fellow teammate, Jonathan Martin. With racial slurs and degrading remarks via text message, he has come out as saying that this was merely the “locker room” dynamic of their relationship. But did they take it too far??

           

Bullying, by definition, is simply unwanted, aggressive behavior among individuals that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. This was once only looked at as a passing phase for school aged children. Yet the unwarranted behavior has infected its way through to adults in the office and other professional and very much adult environments.

            Media reports call unwanted and aggressive behavior among any individual, whether they be adults or children, an act of bullying. With state and federal laws now coming into place to address bullying and other aggressive derogatory behaviors, age groups are finally not becoming such a factor. Bullying can happen among any age group. Age has become irrelevant and it is time for us to end the association of the word with school-aged children.

            With bullying finally coming to the conversation, we are now able to look at it in the light and assess a course of action. Regardless of the age or situation, there are in fact ways to stop or even avoid these unnecessary situations. We should be encouraging children, young adults, and professionals, to talk to someone that they trust about their unfortunate circumstances. With the emotional support and advice from a respected and trusted confidant, it can be effectively determined if the behavior violates any campus or office policies, or even laws. There are always codes of conduct, civil rights laws and state criminal laws in effect that can be reviewed.

            These acts of intimidation and aggression should be reported to campus, human relations, or community law enforcement. By consulting coordinators in these areas, you can also help to determine if the behavior could be classified as sexual harassment. Many campuses also offer added assistance called an ombudsperson or something similar. These personnel are responsible for handling a variety of concerns and complaints, successfully helping students to appropriate campus resources.

            Though young adults, students and even professionals may be reluctant to seek help for cyber bullying, it is now becoming well recognized as a serious issue. Laws are being put into place to stop this menace of cyber bullying that has sadly cost some young people their lives. Stop bullying today. If you see a coworker, friend, or fellow student being terrorized at work or school, encourage them to reach out and report it to the proper personnel.