What's the difference between ‘asaran’ and bullying?

A violent incident between students from an esteemed high school was caught on video and it has brought to the spotlight something that many young people suffer daily: Bullying. 

Psychiatrist Dr. Bernadette Manalo in an interview with Super Radyo DZBB clarified that bullying is experienced not just by children, but even by adults in the workplace. "Kahit saan ka magpunta, may mambubully sa iyo," Manalo said. 

Most people associate bullying with physical assault. However, Manalo explained that the assertion of dominance may be done with just words.

"Iba't ibang klase (ang bullying at) depende din 'yon sa content, intent, at effect sa taong binubully."

The "intent", Manalo said, is what differentiates friendly banter from verbal abuse.

"Kapag sinasabing bullying, may kasama na itong aggression. It is repetitive o tuluy-tuloy at saka ... ang problema nito, kapag na-bu-bully ka, merong physical, emotional, at psychological na assault sa tao."

Some people may choose to fight back and others might laugh it off. Nonetheless, even if you are not hurt by someone's words or actions, they are still committing acts of bullying if they are saying or doing something out of malice.

"Whether you accept it or not, the behavior and the intent is there," Manalo said.

She further explained that bullying may also be viewed as an abuse of authority or "'yong feeling mo that you are above that person."

Without our noticing, we may already be in a position where we are taking out our own insecurities or frustration on other people. This, according to Manalo, is one of the roots of bullying. "Each one of us at one point in our lives, may mga tao na na-bully tayo," she said. 

"(Bullying) shows na super insecure ka sa taong 'yon (the victim). Kung ano man ang pinagdadaanan mo sa buhay mo ay dinidisplace mo sa taong inosente naman."

As a psychiatrist, Manalo views bullying as a symptom of a larger problem. The bully likely also needs to heal and undergo treatment. 

Rehabilitation takes time and it should involve the whole family, not just the individual. It is highly recommended that the family seeks professional help and counseling. — AT, GMA News