Help & Information
The Effects of Bullying
Although there are three main groups that are affected by bullying – the students who are bullied, the students who bully and the bystanders who see it happen, bullying encompasses and affects the entire school community, families and friendship groups.
Bullying 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.
Bullying is a very stressful ordeal, one that many people find it hard to speak about. Those being bullied continually ask why me? They may feel ashamed and embarrassed that they are not standing up to the bully and deal with what is happening to them.
Bullying can have devastating effects on a person which can last into adulthood. At its worst, bullying has driven children and young people to self-harm and even suicide.
Effect 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- Avoid conflict and be socially withdrawn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
Effect of Bullying on Bullies
People who frequently bully 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 the workplace
- Have low self-esteem
- Have difficulty understanding boundaries and limits
Effect of Bullying on Bystanders
Those who witness bullying 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
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