410 | Anatomy of Bullying: The Threat and Toxic Shame Dynamics in Both Those Who Bully and Those Who Are Bullied

This presentation explores the systemic factors contributing to the epidemic of bullying in today’s culture, particularly focusing on the role of the internet, social media, and online gaming. These platforms offer an escape for individuals suffering from bullying but often exacerbate feelings of vulnerability. In this workshop, psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, ministry leaders, and coaches will evaluate the shared core issue faced by both bullies and their victims: toxic shame stemming from unhealed trauma, emptiness, and isolation. These emotional states distort self-identity and trigger threat responses in both groups, which catalyze bullying behaviors. Participants will explain trauma responses in the autonomic nervous system through the lens of Polyvagal Theory. Additionally, participants will identify neurophysiological commonalities in bullies and victims and develop therapeutic plans to repair trauma-related damage to identify and the nervous system. Participants will develop and gain insight into the systemic dynamics of bullying, current methods of bullying, and how toxic shame impacts all involved.