One impact is the emotional harm. Victims often feel sad, scared, and lose their self - esteem. Just like in the story of the girl whose photo was photoshopped, she was so emotionally damaged that she didn't want to face people.
A teenager shared her thoughts on a public forum about a popular TV show. She had a different opinion from some of the hardcore fans. These fans started cyber bullying her. They sent her threatening messages, saying things like she should keep her mouth shut. They also hacked into her email account and sent out embarrassing messages to her contacts. This whole experience was terrifying for her and made her very cautious about sharing her opinions online.
Victims often become very withdrawn. For example, in many stories, they stop participating in social activities they used to enjoy. They may also develop mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Their self - esteem takes a huge hit as they constantly face negative remarks and actions from the bullies.
There was a boy who was bullied for being smaller and weaker than the others. The bullies would push him around during recess, steal his lunch, and laugh at him when he tried to stand up for himself. One day, they locked him in a small, dark closet at school. He was in there for hours, crying and screaming until a janitor finally heard him. This experience left him with a deep - seated fear of small spaces and he became very withdrawn.
Verbal bullying is common. This includes name - calling, like 'ugly' or 'fat'. Another type is social bullying, such as excluding a girl from a group. Cyberbullying is also on the rise, with mean comments on social media.
One common type is verbal abuse. Just like in the stories I mentioned before, people leave mean comments or send cruel messages. Another type is spreading false rumors. It can quickly damage someone's reputation.
Often, there is power - play related bullying. In some adult bullying stories, those in a position of power, like a senior at work or a group leader, might use their authority to bully others. They could give unfair tasks or constantly change the rules for the victim. Another type is cyber - bullying among adults. With the rise of social media, some adults spread false information or harass others online. It can be really harmful as it can reach a wide audience quickly.
Physical bullying also appears often. For example, pushing, hitting, or tripping someone, like in the story where a bullied kid was constantly tripped during recess. Another common type is social bullying. This includes spreading rumors, excluding someone from a group, or making someone feel left out, which can be just as damaging as the other forms.
Some victims of bullying cope by finding a safe space. For example, a kid might go to the library during recess where the bullies won't bother them. It gives them time to relax and get away from the stress.
Bullying in high schools stories can help in prevention because they humanize the victims. Often, bullies don't see the person they are bullying as a real individual with feelings. But when they hear a detailed story about how a victim felt scared, alone, and sad, it can make them more empathetic. Also, it can give hope to potential victims that they are not alone and that there are ways to deal with bullying.