The effects of bullying

Bullying is bad enough when it happens just once, but when it is consistent it can become a very serious problem. Being bullied can seriously affect a person’s physical, emotional, academic and social well-being. Many sufferers of bullying lack confidence, feel bad about themselves, have few friends and spend a lot of time alone.

Bullying is a very stressful ordeal – one that many people find it hard to speak about. Those being bullied continually ask ‘why me?’ They may feel ashamed and embarrassed that they can’t stand up to the bully and deal with what is happening to them.

‘I felt stupid for not fighting back. Why was I letting this happen to me?

Tom, 14 *

To avoid going to school, they may complain of various symptoms, such as, tummy ache, headache, feeling sick. If they do attend school, the fear and anxiety may make it difficult for them to concentrate and engage in the classroom. They may also stop using the school bus, drop out of any after school clubs or groups and make excuses to avoid going out with their friends.

Others may become very anxious, have mood swings and find it difficult to sleep. They may feel depressed, or even suicidal. These problems can carry on long after the bullying has stopped and well into adulthood. At the extreme end, some children have been physically maimed and even driven to suicide.

‘They tied me to my bike with a rope and pushed the bike and let it go. I cut my face and my leg. They stood there laughing at me’

Sophie, 14 *

There are very few young people who have not experienced some sort of bullying at least once. Many suffer over and over again and become extremely upset. Some youngsters have run away from home and some have been severely damaged psychologically. Bullying also has an affect on anyone who witnesses it. Bullying creates an atmosphere of fear and if you’re not being bullied, it can leave you wondering if you will be next.

‘She said I was fat. I miss meals and drink lots of water. My clothes are loose but she still says I’m fat’

Katie, 12 *

If you are being bullied, it is important to remember IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT. No-one deserves to be bullied.

* To protect the identities of the young people, all names have been changed. The comments used have been taken from those provided in our recent survey.