3 Potential Effects of Bullying on a Victim
There can be no argument that bullying has many devastating effects on its victims. However, it is often not fully understood just how deep those effects of bullying run. The wounds that a bully can cause are not just superficial, and often they can stick with a person long after childhood has been left behind.
Mental Effects of Bullying
One of the most traumatizing types of effects of bullying are the mental scars that are formed. These occur when a bully completely tears down the self esteem and reputation of their victim. From embarrassing them in front of their peers, to taunting them endlessly about their looks, a bully can take away any sense of self that a child has and replace it with self loathing.
That is why so many children who are bullied turn to delinquent behaviors in an effort to escape the mental anguish that has pushed upon them by a bully. Whether it is alcohol, drugs, suicide, or other mislead behaviors, a victim finds a way to numb the mental effects of bullying. Even if a victim manages to make it to adulthood without straying into a wayward lifestyle, they still will often end up with poor self esteem for the rest of their life.
Physical Effects
The physical effects of bullying can be devastating when they first occur, but the scars, bumps, or bruises soon fade away. Instead, physical bullying leaves behind emotional scars as well, and a fear and uncertainty that may never go away.
Children who have been physically bullied may find it hard to trust and interact with others, and the embarrassment of being beaten in front of their peers may lead them further into the depths of depression and fear. Physical effects may seem like a short term problem, but the emotional scars that their memories leave behind can last a lifetime.
Possible Long Term Effects of Bullying
As witnessed in the information above, the effects of bullying can be long term. The poor self esteem and self image that being victimized by a bully provides is often impossible to get rid of. This leaves the adult with the inability to function properly in social situations or live up to their full potential.
In rare cases, physical effects and injuries can carry on into adulthood as well. However, much more common are the fear and emotional scars that last long after a child has grown into an adult, and do not allow them to completely trust another human being.
The effects of bullying are varied and extreme. Although bullying may seem like child’s play to some, it is in fact a hurtful and violent act that should not be allowed to continue. The information above makes it clear that the effects that bullying can cause are quite capable of following a victim for the rest of their lives. Take the necessary steps towards helping another or yourself today, and put an end to this violence.
