Childhood is a period of physical, social, intellectual and emotional development. Any trauma or damage caused to the child affects their mental health and hinders their overall development.
Bullying is one of the major causes that disrupt the mental health and well-being of children and youth. Bullying is a pattern of aggressive behaviour exhibited repeatedly with the intention to harm others. Bullying in any form for both those who are bullied and the ones who bully have serious and lasting implications.
Bullies use their position of power such as physical strength, access to embarrassing information, or popularity and the most vulnerable children face a higher risk of being bullied. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumours, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose.
Bullying can hence be verbal, physical or social. Cyberbullying is also a major area of concern as the increasing technology and social media have opened several platforms for bullies to bully other children online.
Say No to Bullying – Tips, Effects & Prevention is linked to many negative outcomes including impacts on mental health, substance use, and suicide. Kids who are bullied can experience negative physical, school, and mental health issues they are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, increased feelings of sadness and loneliness, changes in sleep and eating patterns, and loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy. These issues may persist into adulthood. Deteriorated health, decreased academic achievement and school participation. They are more likely to miss, skip, or drop out of school.
Kids who bully others can also engage in violent and other risky behaviours such as abusing alcohol and other drugs, Getting into fights, vandalising property, dropping out of school, engaging in early sexual activity, having criminal convictions and traffic citations as adults and being abusive toward their romantic partners, spouses, or children as adults.
How can we help our kids if we suspect them of bullying or being bullied?
Get Online Counselling for overcoming bullying and developing resilience.
