5 Psychological Effects of Bullying No Child Should Endure

Bullying in schools is an alarming concern that affects countless children worldwide. It not only causes physical harm but also inflicts deep emotional scars, leading to long-lasting psychological impacts. This article will explore the five most significant psychological effects of bullying on school children.

It may be difficult to discuss real-life experiences so I’ll attribute them to movies so that you can understand how bad bullying can get.

What Is Bullying?

Bullying can be categorized under the bigger umbrella called, abuse. Bullying is usually meted out in the school setting; it is recurring and the victims are perceived as weak.

It includes constant teasing, perhaps due to slow learning disabilities like dyslexia, physical disabilities, poverty/low financial status, and sometimes it’s just pure jealousy for being more beautiful, smarter or always being happy.

WATCH: The Glory

The Gist: After getting a job as a homeroom teacher at the primary school of the bully’s child, a former victim of school violence seeks vengeance on her bullies.

Some images are based on a genuine event that occurred in 2006, when a gang of middle school students from Cheongju, South Korea, extorted money from a classmate for almost a month, brutally beating and burning her with objects. The lead character is Song Hye-Kyo.

The Cultural Perspective of Bullying

Sometimes, they think you’re making things up, especially parents who do not have enough time for their children or leave them to house help to care for them. Other times, they say you’re not tough, you’re too emotional or sensitive until it gets serious. When this happens, children do not know who they can trust enough to report this to, even if they make an attempt to speak up, and yes, this could result in full-blown abuse of all forms.

Sometimes, they’re manipulated to join cliques that influence them negatively.

Unfortunately, some become bullies too. Hurt people hurt others, sometimes unconsciously.

Sometimes, their stories end with testimonies and total transformation, like “Like Stars on Earth”, and inspire millions towards social change, other times too, it scars them for life and the result is living a life of revenge, like, “The Glory” described below.

READ ALSO: Subtle Things the Ghanaian Society Teaches That No One Talks About

The Far-Reaching Psychological Impacts

1. Anxiety and Fear

Bullying instils persistent anxiety and uncertainty in the victim. The child’s general mental health may suffer as a result of the constant taunting.

The worry of having to deal with bullies on a regular basis, as well as the uncertainty of what they may do next, can cause sleep difficulties, lack of appetite, and difficulty concentrating in class.

WATCH: Stop Bullying

2. Low Self-Esteem and Self-Worth

Children who experience bullying often develop low self-esteem and self-worth. Constant ridicule and humiliation diminish their confidence, making them doubt their abilities and value as individuals. The lingering feeling of not being good enough or accepted by peers can severely impact their social interactions and academic performance.

READ ALSO: 8 Recommended Ways Parents Can Raise Self-Esteem In Children

3. Depression and Isolation

Children who are bullied frequently develop low self-esteem and self-worth; constant ridicule and humiliation undermine their confidence, leading them to doubt their abilities and value as individuals; and the lingering feeling of not being good enough or accepted by peers can have a negative impact on their social interactions and academic performance.

This could even lead to suicide.

4. Trust Issues

Being a victim of bullying can result in serious trust issues for the child. They may find it challenging to trust others, fearing betrayal or trauma. This distrust can extend to authority figures, instructors, and even friends, hampering their capacity to develop meaningful connections.

5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

In severe situations, the psychological impact of bullying can show as post-traumatic stress disorder, with the child experiencing nightmares, flashbacks, and emotional anguish, limiting their capacity to cope with daily life.

READ MORE: Everything You Need To Know About PTSD

Identifying the Signs

As parents, educators, and caregivers, recognizing the signs of bullying is crucial to providing timely support to the affected child. Some common indicators include:

• Unexplained injuries or damaged belongings
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Sudden decline in academic performance
• Changes in eating habits
• Expressing fear or reluctance to attend school
• Emotional outbursts or frequent tearfulness
• Addressing Bullying: A Collective Responsibility

Preventing and addressing bullying is the responsibility of the entire community surrounding the child. Here are some essential steps to tackle this issue effectively:

1. Train Your Child at Home

As they say, “Charity begins at home”. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AS THE PRIMARY CAREGIVER!

It’s okay to teach them to be respectful, not to fight and to be sweet, but let them also know the harsh realities of life. Teach them how to stand firm for what is right, be bold to report issues and not to be intimidated by others, no matter the circumstance.

Teach them to be as wise as serpents but harmless as doves.

Help them reaffirm and strengthen their positive qualities whilst working on their weaknesses.

Teach them the Word of God and explain to them who they really are in Christ!

WATCH:

-Encourage children to communicate openly about their feelings and experiences. Creating a safe space for them to share their concerns can help identify bullying instances early on.

2. Implementing Anti-Bullying Programmes

Comprehensive anti-bullying programmes that teach students the effects of bullying and create a culture of kindness and empathy must be implemented in schools.

3. Providing Support and Counseling

Counselling services can be beneficial to both the victim and the bully. Victims should seek professional treatment to cope with the trauma, and bullies can learn to confront their conduct and feelings constructively.

4. Involving Parents and Guardians

Collaboration between schools and parents is essential for effectively tackling bullying. Regular communication and interaction can help to create a safe atmosphere for the child.

5. Encouraging Bystander Intervention

By teaching children to be proactive bystanders, bullying occurrences can be avoided. Encourage them to speak up and report any bullying incidents they witness.

FAQs

Q: How can I support my child if they are being bullied?

A: Listen to your child empathetically, validate their feelings, and involve school authorities to address the issue promptly. Offer emotional support and encourage them to join activities where they can make new friends.

Q: Is cyberbullying as harmful as traditional bullying?

A: Yes, cyberbullying can be equally damaging as it can follow the child everywhere they go online, creating a sense of constant insecurity and humiliation.

Q: What role do teachers play in preventing bullying?

A: Teachers are crucial in identifying signs of bullying and providing a safe environment for all students. They can implement anti-bullying policies and foster a culture of respect in the classroom.

Q: Can bullying lead to long-term psychological issues?

A: Yes, bullying can have severe long-term consequences, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, which may persist into adulthood.

Q: How can schools involve the community in anti-bullying efforts?

A: Schools can organize workshops, seminars, and awareness programs involving parents, local organizations, and law enforcement to collectively combat bullying.

Q: What should I do if my child is the bully?

A: Address the behaviour immediately, understanding the root cause of their actions. Seek professional counselling to help them understand the impact of their behaviour and teach them healthier ways to cope with emotions.

Bullying IS NOT NORMAL. Allow kids to enjoy their childhood, giving them the requisite information to guard themselves when you’re away. Build a solid relationship with them so that they can tell you everything. Help them to be assertive and to stand on the Word of God. The phycological impacts of bullying could linger on into adulthood if not carefully managed, and others may suffer the ripple effects. This could happen to your child or any child you know, they could as well be the bullies too. If you are/ were a bully, seek professional counsel and forgiveness from the victim, hopefully, if it’s not too late. If you are /were bullied,  know that whatever they did to you does not define who you are!