Neil Smart Costantino

Is there enough awareness on the repercussions of bullying on campus?

There is little to no awareness of its consequences. Many students ‘joke’ without realising there is a very thin line between joking and making fun of someone, and this line is sometimes continuously crossed. Giulia Nicosia, BA Theatre and Communication Studies, 1st year.

There can never be enough awareness on such a problematic social reality, and unfortunately, due to the wrong perception that bullying does not exist at University, there is insufficient promotion of the resources available to tackle the problem. Neil Smart Costantino, Bachelor of Laws, 2nd year.

I don’t think there is enough awareness on its repercussions at any education level, especially at University. Most seem to think that people our age can handle being bullied, but generally this is not the case. Denise Grech, BA Anthropology and Psychology, 3rd year.

Giulia Nicosia

Are people less prone to being bullied as they get older?

Bullying does not depend on the victim, it is not only happen to people of a certain age, it takes many forms and also occurs at the place of work among adults. Giulia Nicosia

Not really. Even though people may have stronger personalities as they get older, their environment would be entirely different to when they were still at school, and create the opportunity for ‘new’ bullying practices. Neil Smart Costantino

The older people are, the more likely they have a secure sense of self and friends to rely on for support, making them less affected by bullying. But this does not mean bullying won’t happen or that one is not prone to it. Denise Grech

Do you see a link between childhood bullying and anti-social behaviour in later years?

Denise Grech

I think there is a link. Being bullied at a young age can cause low self-esteem and social anxiety. These can lead to anti-social behaviour. Giulia Nicosia

It depends on the individual. If the victim stops the bullying at a young age, he or she may have a strong personality when they grow up. Nonetheless, any bullying victim should be offered thorough help to overcome its traumatising effects. Neil Smart Costantino

I definitely see a link between the two, especially when one considers that experiences in childhood influence our whole lives. Denise Grech

(Compiled by Insite – the student media organisation)