Bullying behaviour creates a culture of fear and has a negative impact on everyone involved. Being bullied can seriously affect a person’s physical, emotional, academic and social well-being. Many sufferers of bullying lack confidence, feel bad about themselves, have few friends and spend a lot of time alone.
Being bullied is hurtful and stressful and is something many people find it hard to speak about. Those who are bullied continually ask, why me? They may feel ashamed and embarrassed that is happening to them.
Bullying behaviour can have devastating effects on a person which can last into adulthood. At its worst, being bullied has driven children and young people to self-harm and even suicide.
Effects of Bullying on the Bullied
Those who are bullied may:
- Feel disconnected from school and not want to attend
- Have lower academic outcomes, including lower attendance
- Lack quality friendships at school
- Display high levels of emotion that indicate vulnerability and low levels of resilience
- Avoid conflict and be socially withdrawn
- Have low self-esteem
- Become depressed, anxious and lonely
- Have nightmares
- Feel wary or suspicious of others
- In extreme cases, have a higher risk of self-harm and/or suicide
Effects of Bullying on those who display bullying behavior
People who display bullying behaviour towards others may:
- Display high levels of aggressive behaviour which can impact on their future
- Struggle to develop and maintain effective relationships
- Have difficulty integrating into education settings or the workplace
- Have low self-esteem
- Have difficulty understanding boundaries and limits
Effects of Bullying on Bystanders
Those who witness bullying behaviour may:
- Be reluctant to attend school
- Feel fearful, scared and guilty for not doing anything
- Experience pressure to participate in the bullying
- Become anxious and worried
