Why Bullying Impacts A Child‘s’ Life
By: Michael Reynoso
Tags: Life Lessons, Life, Mental Health, Children, Bullying

Why Bullying Impacts A Child‘s’ Life

Don’t let anyone bully you because of your shy demeanor. Overcome being bullied by standing up to them.

We have all experienced bullying during our childhood and adolescent years.

If you are one of those people who say you’ve never been bullied, you are a complete fool.

Bullying has been the constant struggle for children and teenagers. Bullying can happen at school, at home or online. It is never okay to bully someone whom we don’t know. Also, bullying is not a normal part of growing up.

What is Bullying?

Bullying can happen in various ways, such as face-to-face, online, digital platforms and devices. Bullying can also be obvious or hidden. This behavior is repeated and has the potential to be repeated over time.

Nevertheless, bullying can have an immediate effect on those involved, including bystanders. For example, incidents, conflicts, or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying. Below are the effects of bullying and how health plays a vital role.

Effects of Bullying

Bullying can affect anyone, especially those who are bullied. Those who bully and those who witness bullying are also effected. Bullying is also linked to many negative outcomes, including mental health, substance use, and suicide.

It is important to talk to your children and determine whether bullying is a concern.

Kids Who are Bullied

Kids who are bullied can experience physical, emotional, and mental health issues. Also, kids who are bullied are more likely to experience:

Depression, anxiety, increased feelings of sadness, loneliness, changes in sleep, eating patterns, and loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy. These issues may continue into adulthood.

Health issues, suicide, etc.

Decreased in academic schools, low GPA, failing standardized test scores, and arriving late for school. As a result, children are more likely to miss, skip, or drop out of school.

Kids Who Bully Others

Kids who bully others can also engage in violent, risky behaviors into adulthood. Kids who bully are more likely to:

Abuse alcohol and other drugs in adolescence and as adults

Get into fights, vandalize property, and drop out of school

Engage in early sexual activity

Have criminal convictions and traffic citations as adults

Be abusive toward their romantic partners, spouses, or children as adults

Participant Roles

Everyone has the potential to bully others or be bullied. Even grown people bully when they horn at someone at a stoplight. Many children or teenagers can take on various roles in bullying, and play different roles in different contexts.

Participant roles can include someone who:

· Engages in bullying behavior

· Is the target of bullying behavior

· Assists bullying and actively joins in

· Encourages and gives approval to the bullying

· See or knows about someone being bullied or does participate in the bullying.

All adults, including teachers, school staff and parents, can model positive behavior and intervene if they observe any bullying behavior occurring between students.

Standing by and doing nothing, or leaving students to ‘sort it out’ themselves, sends a message to the whole school community that bullying behavior is being condoned.

Impact of bullying

Bullying can have a negative impact on everyone involved, including families. When a child comes home from school and doesn’t tell their parents about being bullied, that is a serious concern.

What if your child comes home with a bad bruise on their eye or a cut on a lip? Would you spring into action and inform the teacher about your child being bullied? If so, this is the route to take.

Summary

Overall, bullying still exist in schools. Sadly, every child will experience bullying in their life. In order for bullying to stop, the parents need to step in and be an advocate for their children.

If you are a child or a teenager, and a bully approaches you, immediately turn away and go to your teacher. By doing this each day, no bully will bother you.