Bullying or school harassment is a repetitive and negative behavior directed towards a person or group of people.

It can manifest itself in various forms, such as verbal harassment, social exclusion, physical intimidation or cyberbullying. The aim of bullying is to exert power and control over the victim, causing distress and suffering.

It is, therefore, a deliberate act of harming, intimidating or harassing others, often based on factors such as appearance, gender, sexual orientation, difference in personal characteristics or perceived power.

Who is involved in bullying?

The agents involved in bullying are:

The people who perpetrate the bullying (aggressors)

The people who are the object of the bullying (victims)

Those who witness the bullying (witnesses)

Teachers and family

Research shows that both men and women can play an active role in bullying. Statistical studies suggest that men tend to use more direct physical or verbal bullying, while women use more indirect forms of bullying, such as social exclusion or defamation.

Is bullying a behavior unique to human beings?

Actually, no. Aggression can also be observed in the animal kingdom, often related to competition for resources, for maintaining social hierarchy or for survival. For example, in the animal world it is common to observe dominance behaviors, such as social grooming in primates, the struggle for leadership in wolf packs, or competition between males for access to females in many species.

These behaviors may be aggressive, but they are generally related to survival and reproduction rather than deliberate intent to cause harm. They are not, therefore, motivated by prejudice as in human bullying.

Is bullying caused solely by prejudice?

Not exclusively. In many cases the determining factors are insecurity, frustration, stress or anger. Both of the victim and the aggressor. So that sometimes we see role changes in a chain, where the victim becomes the aggressor when the context is different.

An example of this would be the adolescent victim of bullying at school who then verbally or emotionally assaults his or her family members at home.

Tackling bullying therefore requires a comprehensive approach involving different agents: family members, teachers, psychologists, therapists... who must make a good diagnosis and work together in the implementation of agreed solutions for both victims and aggressors.

Can equine therapies be part of this global approach?

Without a doubt. Well-directed sessions with horses and conducted on a regular basis can represent a before and after in the lives of many people.

This form of therapy has proven to be beneficial for both the victims of bullying and the bullies and their environment, providing a number of unique therapeutic advantages:

Learning to set limits: One of the fundamental aspects when relating to horses is the imperative need to claim our space and set healthy boundaries. Horses are very large animals, therefore we must educate them to respect us, otherwise we can suffer serious accidents.

Increased self-esteem: Interacting with horses can help victims develop greater self-confidence as they establish positive bonds and relationships with horses.

Development of social skills: Working with horses requires nonverbal communication, patience and empathy. These skills can transfer to human interactions and can help victims build healthier relationships.

Stress and anxiety reduction: The presence of horses and the emotional connection with them can help alleviate stress and anxiety, common problems among bullying victims.

Developing empathy: Working with horses can help bullies develop empathy by understanding the needs and emotions of horses. This skill can transfer to human relationships, encouraging more compassionate behavior.

Impulsivity control: Working with horses requires patience and self-control, which can help abusers learn to manage their impulses and emotions more effectively.

Reinforcement of responsibility and decision making: Caring for and working with horses involves responsibility and the need to make careful decisions. This can teach abusers the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and can encourage them to make positive choices.

Contact with nature and animals allows us to reconnect with ourselves and our essence. It is a path of personal and social healing. The sessions led with horses help children and adults to better manage their emotions, creating a more appropriate framework to try to avoid as much as possible bullying situations in our society.

Gerard, from Cavalls de calma, explains it in this video.

You can also find Cavalls de calma on Instagram.

In buscarcole.com we have schools with anti-bullying plans. Find them here!