Verbal bullying takes a psychological toll: Experts urge for support systems
KUALA LUMPUR – Verbal bullying, often dismissed as mere words, is proving to be just as harmful as physical aggression.
Experts are emphasizing the need for robust support systems to assist victims in coping with the emotional and mental toll of verbal abuse.
Universiti Malaya Associate Professor Dr. Subash Kumar highlights the gravity of the issue.
"Verbal bullying, despite lacking physical consequences, can have lasting effects on victims' well-being.
"To truly combat this, we need effective strategies and resources in place," he said.
He defined verbal bullying as a form of harassment involving the use of words, rather than physical actions, to harm and intimidate others.
Kumar notes that the impact of hurtful words can often be more profound than physical actions, affecting victims deeply.
"Common misconceptions with verbal bully victims is that they are labelled as "weak" or "overly sensitive."
"Society may unintentionally promote enduring such behavior as a means to build toughness in children," he said.
Verbal abuse, he says can manifest in various ways. Kumar cites instances such as fat shaming, colorism, racial abuse, gender discrimination, and shaming based on sexual preferences as examples of the types of abuse students might endure on a daily basis.
While specific statistics are lacking, he suggests that the prevalence of verbal bullying has increased with the advent of social media.
"The ease of communication and anonymity online has facilitated the spread of hurtful words, exacerbating the issue," he said.
The Mind Physiological Services and Training Director & Clinical Psychologist Dr. Joel Low, explains that frequent verbal abuse takes a toll on the emotional well-being and mental health of students.
He said victims often experience heightened anxiety, depression, and academic decline. Some even resort to isolation, self-harm, or suicide.
Low also addressed the delicate balance between freedom of speech and protecting individuals from harm.
"The intent behind words and their impact on the receiver should guide the assessment of whether speech is constructive feedback or destructive bullying.
"This also may contribute to the lack of readily available support systems for victims of verbal abuse.
"While educational institutions often provide counselors, more specific resources are needed," he said.
He emphasized that awareness campaigns by companies and NGOs to raise awareness about the issue is very important to aid verbal bully victims in the future.
Low believes that raising awareness is crucial in creating a more empathetic and supportive environment for students who experience verbal abuse.
"Increased understanding of the impact of words and the ability to not take everything personally can contribute to a more mindful and considerate society," he said.
As experts underscore the profound impact of verbal bullying on victims, their collective call for action resonates.
Establishing comprehensive support systems and fostering awareness are vital steps in addressing the psychological toll of verbal abuse and creating a safer, more empathetic society.
