Families For Life | Effects of Bullying

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In the past, bullying was considered a harmless childhood phenomenon. However, in recent times, people have come to realise that bullying entails many undesirable consequences for those involved- the targeted, the aggressor and the bystander. Bullying can also happen to anyone at any time.

The targeted (those who are bullied)

Those who are bullied are more likely to experience negative impacts in life and development, such as:

• Drop in academic grades and poor school attendance
• Loneliness and poor social relationship
• Physical ill-health
• Lowered self-esteem and depression
• Suicidal ideation
• Self-harming
• Revenge leading to violent juvenile behaviour

The aggressor (those who bully others)

Bullying not only affects the one getting bullied, but also the one doing it. They are more likely to:

• Abuse alcohol and drugs
• Get into fights and vandalise property
• Drop out of school
• Have criminal convictions
• Be abusive toward their romantic partners, spouses, or children as adults

The bystander (those who witness bullying)

Those who witness bullying are also likely to be affected mentally and emotionally. They are prone to:

• Experience a sense of fear or guilt towards the one who was bullied
• See bullying as being normal
• Miss or skip school

Bullycide (suicide caused by the results of bullying)

Those who are bullied are at risk of suicide; however, bullying alone is not the cause. Many issues contribute to suicide risk, including depression, problems at home, and trauma history. Bullying can make an unsupportive situation worse.