Be the first to comment!Gozo Mental Health Conference addresses the problem of bullying
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This year’s annual Mental Health Conference organised by the Mental Health Association Gozo, had the theme Il-Bully… Jien jew Int?!
The conference, on the important theme of bullying, took place at the Queen Mary, University of London, Malta Campus in Gozo, and was addressed by the President Emeritus Marie Louise Coleiro Preca and the Mental Health Commissioner Dr Denis Vella Baldacchino.
There were also several discussions about real life experiences and talks presented by well known speakers in this field.
It was explained at the conference that bullying can be defined in many different ways and can be described as unwanted conduct or behaviour designed to cause harm or distress to another person. It can be characterised as offencive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, abuse or misuse of power through means intended to undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient.
It was also noted that bullying can be related to age, sex, race, disability, religion, sexual orientation, nationality or any personal characteristic of the individual, and maybe persistent or isolated incidents.
“The key is that the actions or comments are viewed as demeaning and unacceptable to the recipient and should not be tolerated. It can affect anyone and we are all potential targets – whether we are adults, children or the bullying is at school, in the community, at work, online or at home,” the participants said.
They also stressed that most people understand bullying as behaviour by an individual or group, repeated over time, that is intended to hurt another individual or group either physically or emotionally.
The participants warned that “bullying can seriously affect someone’s physical and mental health causing stress, emotional issues, social problems, physical disorders and in some serious cases, self-harm or even death.”
The Mental Health Association Gozo said that anyone struggling with bullying, harassment, cyberbullying or anti-social behaviour issues should please reach out for help.
