Breaking the silence around academic harassment

Abstract

It is time to hold every member of the scientific community responsible and ‘response able’ in addressing/reporting academic harassment. Stop applauding academic stars on the podium prior to checking what is happening underneath!

Recognizing the Warning Progressive Signs of Academic Bullying and Harassment: The GGRID Tactics

“…It is increasingly being understood that the targets of academic bullying and harassment develop a wide range of mental and physical symptoms which may last for decades [1][2][3][4]. Perpetrators and their supporters do not seem to be concerned about the adverse consequences of their actions to targets mainly because the possibilities for any repercussions will be slim [5]. Institutional responses to reports of bullying and harassment frequently involve their legal teams and consultants to minimize a risk of any future consequences [6].…”

“…These form a standard, bullying behavioural script and, therefore, targeted academics knowing about these warning signs techniques should be able to act early to reduce and/or neutralize threats to their physical and mental health and well-being, career and reputation. The use of these common five GGRID tactics by perpetrators are both harmful and unlawful [5]. Exposure to goading and gaslighting even for a short period of time leads to tearfulness, irritability, low morale, and low mood, suspicion and insomnia [8,9].…”

Tit for Tat: An Unacknowledged Institutional Response to Targets of Academic Bullying and Harassment

“…Academic bullying is a violation of human rights within an academic setting . Academic bullying and harassment have extremely deleterious consequences for the targets, who experience serious mental and physical disorders for decades. , Moreover, it is increasingly recognized that there are other far-reaching consequences, and that it negatively affects scientific diversity, integrity, and evolution. , In addition to the culture of bullying and harassment in academia, it can also occur in industry causing damage, including substantial financial burdens .…”

Academic cyberbullying

“…Academic harassment is a violation of human rights in the academic setting. 1 This dangerous practice has evolved a fast-track cyberbullying facet, manifested by the use of online tactics to increase the level of fear, intimidation, isolation and thus the physical and mental injuries inflicted on targets. 2 , 3 , 4 These tactics are focused on psychological attacks meant to destabilise, undermine and essentially break the personality of the targets, leading them to feel powerless and helpless to take any action and even to become mentally ill.…”