The effects of bullying
The severity of bullying is often undermined by the following misguided statements:
- "Bullying is just a normal part of growing up"
- "It helps children deal with the cruelties of the 'real world'"
- "It helps sensitive children toughen up"
These opinions are extremely detrimental to the development and safety of children. The effects of bullying can be devastating, as they often continue long into adulthood and drive countless children into depression or self-harm. Some will even attempt or commit suicide.
When left unaccounted for, bullying doesn't just affect the target and the children who are bullying, but everyone who is exposed to the environment in which it occurs - most commonly at school.
Impact on bullied children
Children who are bullied are more likely to:
- Have low self-esteem
- Develop depression or anxiety
- Become socially withdrawn, isolated and lonely
- Have lower academic achievements due to avoiding or becoming disengaged with school
- Be unable to form trusting, healthy relationships with friends or partners in the future
Impact on children who bully
Children who frequently bully others are more likely to:
- Drop out of, or be expelled from school
- Engage in criminal behaviour
- Develop depression or anxiety
- Be abusive towards their sexual partners, spouses or children as adults
Impact on bystanders
Children who witness bullying are more likely to:
- Feel powerless
- Live in fear and guilt
Impact on schools
Schools that do not take significant action against bullying are more likely to:
- Create a negative environment based on a culture of fear and disrespect
- Have poor student engagement, staff retention and parent satisfaction
- Give students the impression that teachers have little control and do not care
- Instill insecurity, low self-esteem and lack of ambition in their students
- Fail in inspiring students to reach their full academic potential