EFFECTS OF BULLYING
Bullying, especially among youth, can result in lasting, life-changing effects, often times controlling that individual's daily life. The effects of bullying can include, but are not limited to, the following:
Psychological and Mental Health Effects:
• Significant drop in self-esteem, often lasting into adulthood
• Likeliness to struggle with negative emotions everyday, effecting their outlook on others and themselves
• Higher rates of depression
• Ongoing stresses
• Physical ailments caused by psychological distress, such as chronic headaches or stomach aches
Social Effects:
• Limitations in their own ability to form friendships or other relationships
• Lack of trust and wariness of other people
• Lower levels of confidence
Academic Effects:
• Fear or avoidance of school in general
• Sudden decrease in academic performance
• Increase in stress which later interferes with memory, retaining information, learning ability, or trouble focusing
• Alteration of person's academic views (i.e. no longer desires to pursue higher education or wants to drop out)
I AM BEING BULLIED
If you are being targeted by a bully, the most important thing you should know is that you are not alone. Know that there are individuals that want to help you and can help you find resources you need to take action.