Top 5 Negative Effects of Bullying

The Normality of Being Picked On

In some cases, being picked on at school is fairly "normal." Many younger children haven't yet developed the skills to communicate their feelings, especially when they are trying to explain what they "like" or "don't like" about somebody else. They might encounter students who are different than themselves and not know how to address those differences, so they point things out in a harsh way.

This is not a terrible situation, and after a child develops a vocabulary, they can understand these differences and learn how to handle them. It is up to the parents and teachers to explain to the children that just because someone is different does not mean that they deserve to be treated poorly.

Do not let this simple teasing fool you, though. Because "teasing" or misunderstanding the differences between people gets taken too far and becomes a serious problem, one that can have long-term negative effects, some that may even last a lifetime.

Bullying has a long list of negative effects on children, tweens, teens, and even adults. The first step to solving a problem is to understand the problem and its consequences. There are many books, videos, and other media that can help you open the discussion of bullying with your kids!

5 Negative Effects of Bullying

If we are going to eliminate bullying, we must first look at its negative effects and take action to prevent it!

5. School Dropouts

It might be surprising to you to learn that 1 in 10 students who drop out of school did so because they were bullied. If someone can't be accepted for who they are in a place they are required to attend every day, why would they want to go? These bullied children lose out on opportunities to advance and enjoy the benefits of their education.

Bullying can have a lasting negative effect on a child's life and future.

• Every year, over 1.2 million students drop out of high school in the United States alone.
• One student drops out every 26 seconds—or 7,000 a day. About 25% of high school freshmen fail to graduate from high school on time.
• According to the US Census Bureau, over a lifetime, high school dropouts earn $260,000 less than graduates.
• In the United States, high school dropouts commit roughly 70–75% of crimes.

4. Bullying Affects a Child's Ability to Learn

Children who are bullied have a harder time retaining information throughout the day. When they are constantly worried about when and where they might be bullied next, it reduces the time spent on learning.

When someone is bullied, it affects their brain's receptors negatively. This leads to a lack of concentration and depression.

• Nearly 24% of children suffer chronic levels of bullying at school. These kids had a "lower academic achievement" and reported a "greater dislike of school."
• Roughly 18% of children experience moderate bullying at school and reported similar results of lower academic achievement and dislike of school.

3. Bullying Affects a Child's Ability to Trust Others

Anytime someone gets bullied, they develop a strong mistrust of people. This might not show in the child's younger years. Still, as they grow and mature and start to build relationships with others, this deep-seated mistrust for people starts to surface. It can have lasting negative effects on friendships and relationships.

2. Violence

Students that have been harassed and bullied at school have been linked to almost 75% of the school shootings in the USA. When these kids feel as though nobody cares for them, rage takes control, and this is when school shootings take place. We could prevent unnecessary deaths by teaching children the importance of respect and acceptance.

• Bullying victims are twice as likely to bring a weapon to school.

1. Depression and Suicide

One of the worst-case outcomes from bullying is, of course, depression and suicide. This does not only pertain to children but teens and adults as well.

Depression is a very serious illness that affects over 350 million people worldwide. We could prevent many suicides by eliminating bullying and teaching our children to accept others for their differences.

• Bullying is the 3rd leading cause of death among our youth.
• Bully victims are up to 9 times more likely to consider suicide.
• Nearly 30% of students claim to be victims of bullying.

Suicide Isn't Cowardly...

Suicide isn't cowardly. I'll tell you what is cowardly; treating people so badly that they want to end their lives.

— Ashley Purdy

Additional Resources on Teens

• Is Self-Harming Addictive? Why Do Teenagers Cut Themselves?
  Does your teen cut themselves? Why do teenagers cut themselves? What goes on in the mind of someone who cuts? Why is cutting addictive? Here's a look into the psychology of teens who cut and the reasons behind their self-harm.
• Boosting Confidence and Self-Esteem Tips for Teens
  This article explains why it's so common for teens to lack confidence and gives suggestions to boost your self-esteem.
• 10 Common Problems and Issues Teenagers Face Today
  Teens today have it hard. Parenting teenagers is not easy, but understanding the issues they struggle with can help everyone involved. You can't help solve a problem until you know what it is. Here, I highlight the most common problems faced by teena

© 2017 Mamma Z

Comments

Marcus on April 22, 2020:

Just to note, do not phrase "negative effects' associated with the topic bullying..Instead, use "effects/impacts", because you are insinuating that there is a "positive" effect. Thus, be cognisant of phrasing. On the other hand, the information was quite useful.

billy-bob ross on March 12, 2020:

hi i love this it amazing

John Dove on November 18, 2019:

Hi Mama Z--

Your points on bullying are well taken. Bullying is Bad!

I would another point: Bullying lowers the self-esteem on the person being bullied.

John Dove

elijah on November 18, 2019:

thank you for the facts

kyana on November 13, 2019:

very empowering

Angel on November 01, 2019:

Very nice. Really enlightening

Cut3Cook1e on June 04, 2019:

Great Website! Very good information and quotes. Congrats!

why bullying is wrong on February 12, 2019:

why bullying is wrong

kyle on November 02, 2018:

no is no

unknown on October 17, 2018:

can I ask what do you gain

after bullying others

jim on September 26, 2018:

can I ask a question.

what is the positive effect of bullying to the person person ?

Maison on September 01, 2018:

Bullying should stop

Macy Arch on August 27, 2018:

This is good info.

Ruby on July 03, 2018:

I have been bullied by these boys at school and no one is doing anything about it. I want it to stop

Nathan on June 15, 2018:

Thank you this is the best information ever.

Not you on May 31, 2018:

This is so good informatio.

Anynomous on May 28, 2018:

This is great for my school essay as evidence. Also I deeply agree, bullying should stop. More should be done about it.

lexi on May 23, 2018:

Why would that that guy do that

layla on May 17, 2018:

this a very helpful for my school essay the reason i choose this topic is its very imporant and we need to stop it

Casey on May 14, 2018:

This is very helpful for the school assembly i'm doing next year

Anonymous on May 10, 2018:

This was a very good website for information and facts about bullying. Thank you.

Marriana on April 17, 2018:

I really like all the votes and facts. This website was really useful.

Emma on April 09, 2018:

I am doing a speech on bullying and i found this website which came in handy. I definitely recommend others to read this.

I especially loved the little votes.

As a victim of bullying i can relate to a lot.

I recommend adding more votes and keeping up the good work!

Spongebob Squarepants on February 07, 2018:

wow this article has a ton of info about bullying you guys must have worked really hard

John Dove on December 11, 2017:

Congratulations on another good Hub on bullying, that scourge that leads to terrible consequences, as you point out so well. Spread the word. Stop bullying. Watch for my real-life story coming up on a future Hub.