The Effects of Bullying

Written by Delores

The effects of bullying can be overwhelming and last a lifetime. Studies have found bullying has major effects for not only those who are bullied, those who bully, but also those who witness the bullying.

Kids who are bullied have a higher risk of depression and anxiety, including but not limited to the following symptoms that may persist into adulthood:

• Increased feelings of sadness and loneliness.
• Changes in sleep and eating patterns, and are more likely to have health complaints.
• Loss of interest in activities.
• Have increased thoughts about suicide that may persist into adulthood.

(Suicide is the third leading cause of death in our youth).

• Are more likely to miss, skip, or drop out of school, and have decreased academic achievement (GPA and standardized test scores) and school participation.

(Nearly 160,000 children miss school each day for fear of being bullied and 4 out of 10 will drop out of school, either because of bullying or abuse at home).

• Are more likely to retaliate through extremely violent measures.

(Studies indicate that between 150,000 and 300,000 students take a gun to school).

Kids who bully others have the following symptoms, which include but not limited to:

• Have a higher risk of abusing alcohol and other drugs in adolescence and as adults.
• Are more likely to get into fights, vandalize property, and drop out of school.
• Are more likely to engage in early sexual activity.
• Are more likely to have criminal convictions by the age of 24.
• Are more likely to be abusive toward their romantic partners, spouses or children as adults.

Bystanders have all of the effects above, tend to repeat the bullying, and yet can be hugely instrumental in preventing bullying.