Effects of Bullying

Effects of Bullying

Effects of Bullying

The effects of bullying can go far beyond the classroom and the general school environment and can have wide-reaching and serious outcomes. Research has shown being bullied directly correlates to disastrous consequences such as suicide. Statistics from the Center for Disease Control state about 14 percent of high school students have thought of committing suicide and 7 percent have attempted to do it; the study also found victims of bullying are two to nine times more prone to killing themselves (Occupy Theory). Teens whose age falls between the 10 to 14 age brackets are at the highest risk of suicide (Occupy Theory). According to a recent study, “suicide rates among young people have been increasing to such an extent that they are now the group at highest risk in one-third of countries, both in developed and in developing countries.” (Klomek et al. 282) The statistics show adolescents have become increasingly susceptible to suicidal behaviors and thoughts over the past several years; but why? In the study, the researchers proclaim bullying behavior directly correlates to suicidal ideation, attempts, and the act of suicide itself; this suggests adolescents who bully others are also at severe risk of suicide, even if they are not victims themselves (Klomek et al. 286). However, suicide is not the only long-term effect associated with bullying in schools.

Serious issue research has shown is related to school bullying is school shootings. Since 2013, there have been 153 school shootings in the United States, an average of almost one shooting per week (Everytown Research). A recent study showed schools that experience a shooting have over a five percent decrease in 9th-grade enrollment and have their math proficiency levels decrease by 4.9 percentage points, and their English proficiency levels decrease by 3.9 percent (Beland and Kim). School shootings have increased dramatically over the past several years, and the consequences, beyond casualties, have a great impact on schools. According to recent research, a reason behind the drastic increase in shootings is directly correlated to the amount of school bullying. Studies have shown one of the strongest motivations for school shootings is revenge for bullying that took place during school; over 72 percent of students who brought a school in March 2014 had been bullied, in a fight at school, threatened or injured with a weapon, missed school because they felt unsafe, and had something stolen from them at school (Lurie). This research shows one of the most obvious solutions for decreasing the number of school shootings is to effectively prevent bullying in schools, and the implementation of a structured bullying prevention program will help schools begin this task.

Another effect of bullying that can plague victims long after the torment is over is psychiatric problems, such as anxiety and panic disorder While past research has shown these disorders are common for children who experience bullying to have during their teen years, recent studies have proven these disorders also tend to extend into their adult lives. In a study conducted by psychiatrist William Copeland and fellow psychiatrists that is recorded in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the doctors found that bully victims had elevated rates of young adult psychiatric disorders, such as agoraphobia, general anxiety, and panic disorder when compared to students who were not bullied. (Copeland). The research also shows both bullies and victims were at a greater risk of young adult depression, while bullies alone showed a higher risk of developing antisocial personality disorder (Copeland). It should be noted the researchers had to control for childhood psychiatric problems and family hardships before they were able to conduct their research. This study, and others, have shown that while the effects of bullying may be most prevalent when the victim is young, they can still be a hindrance to victims as young adults.