Special Chapter 02: Effects and Prevention

EFFECTS

1.Substance Abuse

~Those who are the victims of bullies are significantly more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol than those who have not been bullied. Similarly, there is a strong correlation between adult drug and alcohol abuse and engaging in bullying behaviors as children. Even the bystanders of bullying are reported to self-medicate by abusing tobacco, illicit drugs, and alcohol.

2.Mental Health

~According to studies published in periodicals like the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the American Medical Association: Psychiatry, being the victim of bullying poses an elevated risk of developing depression and becoming suicidal. And these risks do not tend to subside after graduation. In fact, bullying victims may feel the mental health effects well into adulthood.

~In addition, bullying victims may experience low self-esteem and experience feelings of anger and bitterness. They may also become preoccupied with revenge fantasies.

~Those who are bystanders of bullying may also develop depression. In addition, they may have a heightened sense of fear because they feel powerless to defend the victim and worried that they may be bullied themselves. Bystanders may also feel guilty about their inaction.

3.Relationships

~One of the long-lasting effects of bullying can be seen in how victims handle interpersonal relationships. They can be extremely reluctant to get close to other people and have difficulty with trust.

~Similarly, bullies experience long-term relationship problems. They are more likely to engage in sexual activity at a young age and contract sexually transmitted diseases. As adults, they tend to be abusive towards their romantic partners and children.

4.Academic Performance

~The stress of attending school can have an impact on bullying victims' academic performance and their grades tend to slip. Increased absenteeism, low GPA scores, and dropping out of school are common.

~Similarly, bullies have high dropout rates, and those who witness bullying may also skip school in order to avoid exposure to this activity.

5.Physical Health

~Those who are bullied may experience an increase in migraines, stomach aches, sleepless nights, and other physical challenges associated with stress and anxiety.

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PREVENTION AND COPING STRATEGIES

1. What can people do if they are the victims of bullying?

~Children who are the victims of bullying can get help from their school. They should talk to a teacher, principal, or school counselor. In addition, someone who has been the victim of a crime should alert the authorities, while those who are feeling hopeless and suicidal can get help through a suicide hotline.

~There are also ways that people who have been bullied can help themselves. By finding strategies for dealing with their stress, getting therapy, and making strides to maintain a positive self-image, bullying victims can counteract some of the negative effects. Also, when dealing with the person doing the bullying, if possible, victims should try to remove themselves from the situation to protect themselves.

2.What can parents do to help their children who are being bullied?

~The way parents respond to bullying can go a long way toward helping a child get through the experience. First, it's important for parents to understand what the warning signs of bullying are, so they can recognize it. Then it is vital to have open and honest communication, ensuring that the child feels comfortable talking about the experiences.

It is also important for parents to educate themselves about what the school can do to help, and inform a teacher about the bullying behaviors their child is experiencing. They also may be able to get help from programs in the community.

3.How can someone who witnesses bullying respond?

~Someone who witnesses acts of bullying should report them to an adult, such as a school counselor or teacher. Also, it can be helpful for bystanders to reach out to the person being bullied. Bullying victims can feel isolated, so communicating with them can help them feel better.

4. What can teachers do to help?

~When bullying occurs, teachers can use intervention techniques that can help both the victims and the bullies. For example, they can establish classroom activities that give students an understanding of the issue, and help to prevent bullying among classmates. Also, teachers can speak to the bullies and their victims separately and privately in order to mediate the situation. They may also refer both children to counseling so that they get the help they need for their respective problems.

SOURCE/REFERENCE:

https://www.learnpsychology.org/now/bullying/