Consequences potentially affect everyone
Childhood is marked with a number of growing pains – from physical changes to social development, almost everyone encounters some challenges along the way. One of the more painful and sensitive aspects of children and adolescent’s changing social dynamics is the issue of bullying. It has evolved over the years in its delivery, and some argue in its severity as well. What remains are the questions and evidence around the psychological effects it can have both in childhood and in later years.
A campaign launched by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, StopBullying.gov, warns that the consequences of bullying reach wide – not only to the victims but to the witnesses, the families and communities. From mental health effects to substance use and even suicide, it is clear that the trauma caused cannot be overlooked as a normal part of growing up. School-aged children are at a critical developmental period in which their identity and sense of self are forming. As such, two components compromise that sense of self – selfconcept and self-esteem. It is during this time that children learn to assess their characteristics, strengths and weaknesses, as well as judgements and feelings about their value and worth. Among the factors that influence those constructs are the behaviors from others.
“In my experience, I have seen clients suffer with decreased self-esteem, struggle with acute and chronic depression and begin to engage in risky behaviors just for acceptance,” said Kristal Poland, PLPC, NCC, a school-based mental health counselor for Volunteers of America. “I have clients who have changed their appearance/demeanor just to fit in and be accepted. I also have clients who self-harm as a way to cope.”
Because this time in adolescence leaves a person’s sense of self so vulnerable, feelings of low self-worth, confusion and even anger are commonly seen. As depression can be a consequence of bullying, with that comes a multitude of other behavioral and psychological effects. As stated by Poland, self-harm and cutting can often be attributed as symptoms to depression, as well as other risky behaviors such as substance abuse and running away from home. Suicide and suicidal ideation are the most severe consequences.
“If untreated, bullying can definitely affect social development and can completely alter a student’s school experience,” Poland said. “A usually welladjusted, outgoing student can experience a drop in grades, become introverted, withdraw from friends and miss out on positive social experiences for fear of judgment or shame. These changes can greatly affect their futures if there is no intervention.”
According to StopBullying.gov, in addition to depression, feelings of anxiety are also common, as well as increased sadness and loneliness. They may lose interest or pleasure in things they once enjoyed and are more likely to miss or even drop out of school. A significant effect and possibility is that these issues may continue into adulthood and persist into chronic emotional and mental health disorders. It may have a negative influence in job performance and the development and maintenance of healthy relationships.
Most notably in the realm of bullying is the evolution is has taken with changing times, communication and social networking.
“Cyberbullying is the biggest [issue of bullying] I have seen in the schools,” Poland said. “Especially amongst the middle school age and up because at least 80 percent of them have smartphones. It's a quick way for kids to spread rumors and lash out impulsively at others they do not like. Face-to-face bullying still occurs but mostly in elementary. Cyber-bullying is just more efficient; you can bully behind a phone or computer screen and then get classmates to like the posts and share them.”
The technological advancement of bullying and its effects have been widely publicized, as the methods and consequences can be shocking. It’s important for parents and teachers, and other important adult figures to be aware of cellphone and social media use.
“I grew up in a generation without social media and camera phones,” Poland said. “Cell phones were not even allowed in my school. We still had instances of face-toface bullying, but the acts were more overt and teachers and parents were more attuned because we did not have smartphones to hide text messages, pictures, etc. in. Most parents I work with have no idea how social media works or what's in their child’s phone. They are shocked to learn about secret apps and just how much kids share on social media.”
Social interaction provides the impetus for advancement, and psychological development is best fostered within a warm and supportive environment. If bullying is a concern, it’s important to address it head on and provide support, offer validation and seek professional help if needed. It is an issue that should be addressed in both family units and communities as a whole because the consequences have the potential to affect everyone.
– Katie Ho
