Youth voice – ‘Culture of courage’ may change stats

Did you know that NZ unfortunately ranks among the countries with the highest incidence of bullying? Shockingly, 32 percent of NZ students report experiencing bullying at least a few times a month, compared to the OECD average of 23 percent. Bullying is not confined to school corridors and private messages on platforms like Instagram; it extends into the workplace. One in five employees reports experiencing bullying in NZ workplaces each year.

Youthline offers a valuable definition of bullying, describing it as “an abuse of power, where one person or a group uses their power to make another person feel powerless”. Bullying takes various forms, including verbal, social, virtual, and physical, and sadly, it often leads to low self-esteem, heightened anxiety, fear, isolation, and severe mental health issues.

I can remember one time I had a conversation with a close advisor about a situation in which I felt disrespected. Having never experienced bullying during my school years, I was taken aback when they suggested, I was being bullied. Another conversation with a friend led to the realisation that they had been a victim of workplace bullying and intimidation. These personal experiences, coupled with ongoing discussions with parents and young individuals about their school-related struggles, emphasise that bullying is a pervasive issue in our community. So, what can we do about it?

Addressing this complex cultural problem requires a multifaceted approach. I’d like to focus on one potentially transformative solution. Research indicates that encouraging bystanders to become ‘upstanders’ should be a central component of anti-bullying efforts. When bystanders intervene in instances of bullying, it stops within 10 seconds in 57 percent of cases. 

We can initiate change by fostering a culture of courage, where individuals are brave enough to take a stand. Where safe to do so, bystanders have the power to speak up, seek help, and offer support.

For example, if you witness a classmate being verbally attacked at school, consider not going along for the ride. This is an opportunity to be a positive influence and calmly let the bully know that demeaning others is not cool. In a workplace setting, demonstrate solidarity and support for your colleagues; be an advocate for change. Each one of us has a role to play in restoring the power imbalances created by bullying.

The saying, ‘sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,’ is far from accurate. Whether it’s physical actions or hurtful words, the consequences of bullying can be devastating. We cannot afford to be complacent about this. By changing the narrative and cultivating a culture of courage, one person at a time, we can create healthier schools today and foster thriving workplaces tomorrow.