The Effect of Bullying in Children

The Effect of Bullying in Children

Bullying is a serious form of violence against children. It not only affects the children who are being bullied, but also those who bully as well as bystanders. Bullying can be physical, psychological, social, or cyber-based. The effect of bullying on children can be very dire. It can lead to academic underachievement and suspension from school among other consequences.Children who are bullied often feel unsafe in their schools and fear getting to school or go there for fear of being victimized by bullies again and again. This phenomenon is called “school phobia” or “school refusal.” Many children with this condition give up on attending school altogether which negatively impacts them academically and socially. We know that bullying can lead to various problems such as: anxiety, depression, stress, anger and low self-esteem. It can also have a negative effect on school performance. Bullying behaviors are associated with violence and criminal behavior later in life.

The Causes of Bullying in Children

Bullying is a behavior that is not only negative but can be destructive for the victim. It is an issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Bullying is a serious issue in the lives of many people, and it has been proven to have adverse effects on the individual. It can cause feelings of isolation, fear, anxiety, and depression. Victims often feel alone and they do not know where to turn for help. The sooner bullying can be stopped the better for everyone involved. Bullying can also be caused by other factors such as:

1. A need for power and control: Some individuals become addicted to the feeling of power and control of people, hence, they actively try to achieve this by any means necessary. As an analogy, people often turn to drugs as a means of escape from pain, anxiety, or boredom. Similarly, bullies try to seek power and control because they themselves might have felt helpless or powerless at some point in their lives.
2. Fear of vulnerability and exposure: Fear of vulnerability and exposure is a common human feeling. It’s the fear of being seen as imperfect, having your flaws out on display, or being vulnerable in any way. It can be a huge psychological block for people in their personal lives, careers, and relationships
3. To dominate and gain superiority in social status: Most individuals, especially teenagers and young adults, would tell you that social status is important. The desire to be accepted and have an elevated place in society has been around since the beginning of time. Everybody wants to feel like they belong somewhere, and social approval is a surefire way to feel that sense of belongingness.