In recent
years, bullying has surfaced as a more serious problem than experts had previously
considered. As bullying has become more prevalent, cruel, and targeted, the
effects on children has shown increasingly traumatic results. From decreased
academic accomplishments to behavioral and emotional problems, bullying has
adverse effects on all parties: bullies, bully-victims, and bystanders all
suffer the effects of bullying. So, we’ve put together a list of ways bullying
affects children & what to look for if you suspect your child is being
bullied.
Bullying
is defined as the use of superior strength or influence to intimidate someone,
typically to forcing them to do what one wants. This is repeated, aggressive
behavior that includes a real or perceived power imbalance. Bullying can
include verbal abuse and/or physical abuse with the goal of belittling and
embarrassing the victim, usually publicly. Of course, the Internet provides bullies
with a shield against exposure, as well as a vehicle for spreading their
harmful messages to the world.
Academic Effects of Bullying
Children
that are bullied in school have shown a decrease in their academic
accomplishments and interest in academic endeavors. Both bullies and their
victims suffer adverse effects of bullying and see a decrease in performance
with elementary school age students showing the highest number of bullying
incidents. Bullied students have lower attendance rates, a reduced desire to
attend school, and do not engage or contribute to classroom activities in hopes
of avoiding continued bullying.
Social Effects of Bullying
The
social aspects of bullying have been exponentially exacerbated by the explosion
of social media platforms. Social media has forced an increasingly elevated
standard of beauty and belonging that can make children and young adults
extremely self-conscious and feeling anxiety ridden. Social media gives bullies
an anonymous means of harassing their victims that can spread like wildfire
through their friends’ lists, as well as all of their social media platforms.
This often leaves children feeling left out and alone. This can cause a pain
and frustration that follows them everywhere they go with little to no relief.
This can cause a host of social problems including loneliness, hopelessness,
and low self-worth. With social media penetrating every aspect of children’s
lives, it can feel like an inescapable barrage of insults and hurtful comments.
Long Term Effects of Bullying
The
effects of bullying tend to last well beyond the childhood years. Many victims
of bullying suffer from depression, anxiety, and a host of additional mental
health problems. While bully-victims are more likely to suffer from depression
and low self-esteem later in life, bullies are at a higher risk of substance
abuse and hostility. Bullies have a higher risk of developing personality
disorders and a tendency to manipulate others, even into adulthood.
While
these effects can be easily observed and confirmed by teachers, administrators,
healthcare providers, and parents, there have been few qualified and objective
studies done over an extended period of time with large enough sample sizes to accurately
record and monitor the results. As the trend of bullying continues to grow, it
is important to give young children the tools they need to handle these
situations in a healthy way.
Stopping
bullying benefits bullies and bully-victims, as well bystanders who also see
the harmful effects of bullying even if they are not the direct target.
Inclusion for all promotes clear and open communication, healthy opportunities
for personal growth and development, and fewer mental health problems later in
life.
Check out
our resources for dealingwith bullies or visit https://www.stopbullying.gov/ for more information.
What are
some of the ways you have dealt with a bully? Share your stories and tips in
the comments below!
