Even though they may not realize it, children who bully others also hurt themselves. The following effects are often associated with children who bully others:
Short-Term Effects
Lower academic performance and participation:
Bad grades
Skipped classes
Increased likeliness to drop out of school
Trouble maintaining healthy relationships
Increased likeliness of criminal behavior, such as getting into fights or vandalizing property
High risk of alcohol or drug consumption
Long-Term Effects
High risk of criminal convictions as adults
Trouble maintaining long term relationships and increased likeliness of abusive relationships with the following people:
Romantic partners
Spouse
Children
High risk of alcohol or drug abuse
Not every child bullies or gets bullied, however, many children get involved in other ways:
Some watch
Some encourage the bullies
Some try to stop the bullying
Children who witness bullying are also affected by it.
The following effects are often associated with children who witness bullying:
Short Term Effects
Feeling of frustration, guilt or mistrust
Negative attitude toward school
Decreased sense of safety on school grounds
Lower participation in school activities
Fear of standing out or speaking out
Long Term Effects
Beliefs that bulling is an acceptable social dynamic
High risk of mental health issues related to stress
Chances of becoming a bully
Can’t deal with the issues and take suicide as a way out
No form of BULLYING is acceptable
24 Hour Help Line 1-800.448.1833
Suicide Prevention 1.800.273.8255
This information is provided by Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health