Impact Of Bullying on Children

Being bullied is miserable as well as heartbreaking for those targeted. But often, adults who have not been bullied fail to understand how traumatic it can be for the kids. The impact of bullying can leave a lasting impression, which individuals carry to their adult lives as well. Here’s how bullying can impact individuals – 

• Physical Impact 

Along with cuts and bruises due to physical bullying, there are other physical consequences as well. For example, targeted kids may experience anxiety. Moreover, the stress that their body goes through can cause different health issues. Bullied kids often experience headaches and stomach aches. And it aggravates any pre-existing conditions that the child may be suffering from. 

• Emotional And Social Impact 

Kids who are bullied suffer socially as well as emotionally, and this issue may persist in their adult lives as well. They have trouble making friends throughout their lives. Additionally, they also find it difficult to maintain healthy friendships. Low self-esteem is one of the main causes behind this issue. When kids are constantly called losers or fat, they start believing that these things are true. And these targeted kids tend to experience a lot of extreme emotions like anger, vulnerability, bitterness, frustration, helplessness, loneliness, etc.  All this impacts a child’s overall wellbeing.

• Academic Impact 

Bullied kids find it hard to focus on their studies. Slipping grades is one of the prominent signs of a child being bullied. They tend to avoid going to school or tuition to get away from their bully. And when their grades drop, it further increases their already raised stress levels s and anxiety.   

What Are The Symptoms of A Child Being Bullied?

These are some of the signs and symptoms shown by a child who is a victim of bullying. Symptoms of Bullying on child are  - 

1. Afraid to go to school or social gatherings
2. Appears fearful and/or anxious
3. Complains of feeling unwell such as repeated headaches and stomach ache
4. Decreased interest in school and other social activities
5. Losing things and demanding money
6. Appears unhappy, sad, agitated and irritable
7. Trouble in falling asleep and nightmares
8. Isolated from peer group
9. Unexplainable injuries
10. Changes in eating habits

How Can Loved Ones Help With Bullying?

Bullying impacts the mental health of your child, and you can do a lot about it. The first step is to reduce the gap of understanding so that you can comprehend what your kid is going through. Here are some ways parents can help in eliminating the mental impact of bullying – 

• Be In Control Of Your Feeling 

When you first learn that your child is being bullied, it is natural to feel extreme hurt and rage. However, understand that these emotions will not help your child and you have to stay calm in the situation and support your child. 

• Understand The Situation 

 In a very gentle manner, talk to your kids and gather information about what is going on with them. This will allow you to assess the severity of the condition. 

• Collect Evidences 

 In case of cyberbullying, try to gather data and get screenshots of offending messages. Then help your kid to block the bully. Additionally, report the incident to the media platform. 

• Contact the Other Kids Parents

 Get in touch with the parents of other children involved. Make sure that you are constructive as well as gentle while talking to them. 

Take Assistance From Reliable Professional

Bullying is a serious issue that can impact your kid in the long-term. Therefore, getting professional help allows your child to manage the impact of bullying better. Cadabam’s Hospitals is a specialized mental health care provider that focuses on providing holistic treatment for psychological illnesses.

By undergoing thorough evaluation, the experienced professionals here will build a personalised plan for you or your loved one. Early intervention and professional support can help manage the impact of bullying on a child’s well-being better. Reach out to a professional and ensure that your child gets the help they deserve. 

If you know someone who needs help, reach out to our 24x7 helpline +91 9611194949.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the types of bullying?

  Following are the forms of bullying – 

1. Verbal bullying 
2. Physical bullying 
3. Social bullying
4. Cyberbullying

How is bullying treated?

 The treatment of bullying is focused on combating the symptoms. The first approach can be to treat the anxiety and depression associated with it. Medication and psychotherapy are also two prominent treatment options.

What can parents do when their kids are being bullied?

 Parents need to work closely with the child to deal with this issue. They need to formulate a plan to stop the abuse. Moreover, help the child in rebuilding their self-esteem and teach them constructive ways to deal with the bullies. 

What is the long-term impact on a kid who is being bullied?

Kids who are experience bullying can be a risk of – 

1. Suicidal thoughts and depression 
2. Issues with physical activities 
3. Anxiety disorders 
4. Lower self-esteem
5. Reduced work participation