Fight Against Bullying
Bullying is a widespread problem negatively affecting our youth and
our world.
Bullying is a huge problem currently affecting our youth that can cause negative impacts on one's emotional, physical, psychological, and social wellbeing. There are various long-term affects that impact not only the person bullied, but all parties involved.
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In today's world, with all of the technology we have, it is so much easier for students to be exposed to bullying.The ulimited access to the internet gives bullies an easier and an anonymous way to spread hate. Approximately 34% of students report experiencing cyber bullying (Hinduja & Patchin, 2018) and over 60% reported that it greatly impacted their ability to learn and to feel safe while at school. (Hinduja, 2018)
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It has been proven that people who have experienced cyberbullying are at a greater risk than others for self-harm and suicidal behaviors. Students who have experienced either bullying or cyberbullying are two times more likely to attempt suicide. The experience of bullying is also associated with the development of low self-confidence, depression, anxiety, family problems, academic difficulties, and delinquency. (Hinduja, 2018)
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Here are a few warning signs that bullied children tend to exhibit: unexplainable injuries,difficulty sleeping, destroyed clothing or belongings, anti-social behaviors (ex.loss of friends), changes in eating habits (binge-eating or skipping meals), and self destructive behaviors. (StopBullying.gov) However, keep in mind that every child is different and that there are some children that might not exhibit any signs at all.
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One thing you might be thinking is why these children don't simply ask for help from an adult if bullying is causing this much of a negative impact on them. According to 2012 Indicators of School Crime and Safety ,an adult was notified in less than half (40%) of bullying incidents. There can be various reasons for this. Bullying can make children feel helpless, making them want to regain control of the situation by suffering in silence. Being bullied can already make them feel socially isolated and get the idea that there is no person who would understand. There is also the aspect of fear. These children can be afraid of retaliation from the bully if they were to "tattletale" on them or even that the adults and their friends would mock them for being weak.
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The impact of bullying can carry on for a very long time and can leave a long-term effect on both the victim and the bully. Unfortunately, victims of bullying can be forced to carry that pain with them for the rest of their life, struggling with problems such as their self-esteem, depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, substance abuse, and trouble making relationships. For the bullies, there is a higher risk for them to abuse their spouse or their children, have substance abuse, be antisocial, and less likely for them to be employed and educated. (Effects of Bullying)
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