How does bullying affect mental health?

Many people think of bullying as a schoolyard problem, but its mental health effects are far beyond schools. Many children who are bullied face a heightened risk of social and emotional issues in the short and long term. Such effects can last to adulthood.

Bullying happens when children get physically or socially discriminated against by others, and then the bullies use their advantages over the targets to torment them. Short-term effects may include anxiety, self-harm thoughts, depression, low self-esteem, and difficulty sleeping.

Most of these experiences fade away with time, but the person never really forgets about them. From research, most children who experience bullying at a young age are highly susceptible to mental health problems as they grow older.

Effects of bullying can persist into old age, and some of the long-term effects include panic disorders, depression, and generalized anxiety. Both bullies and the bullied have problems and struggle as adults. Some resort to substance abuse to minimize the effect of the feelings they retain from childhood.

Parent quiz: Child mental health checklist

This 3-minute, online quiz can be used if you think your child is having emotional, attentional, or behavioral difficulties.


Need to find a therapist near you? Check out the Monarch Directory by SimplePractice to find licensed mental health therapists with availability and online booking.



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