The term “bullying” was first federally defined by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in 2014 as “any unwanted aggressive behavior(s) by another youth or group of youths, who are not siblings or current dating partners.” These aggressive behaviors often occur during school hours and may come in the form of physical, verbal or social attacks. Occurrences are initiated by an observed or perceived power imbalance, and without intervention, instances are often repeated. The psychological aftermath can be detrimental to the victim’s mental health and may have long-lasting implications well into adulthood.
Maura R. Altman, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and assistant professor of clinical pediatrics in the division of Developmental Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine and Riley Children’s Health, says that although the long-term effects of bullying can vary, many of the physiological and psychological concerns carry over from adolescence into adulthood.
"Researchers have found that children who were bullied are more likely to have mood or anxiety disorders as adults,” Altman said. “They may also struggle with low self-esteem, experience more health complaints, and have unhealthier lifestyle outcomes like smoking, high stress or poor sleep. They are more likely to struggle with friendships and other relationships in adulthood.”
According to an National Center for Education study, only 44.2% of students reported notifying a trusted adult about bullying.
Reasons why a child may not seek help from an adult at the time they are being bullied may be because they do not want to be even more socially isolated than they already are or because they fear backlash from the bullies.
Identifying the signs that a child is being bullied can be difficult since all children can be affected in different ways. However, Altman says there are common warning signs that adults can keep in mind to identify a bullying problem early on. These common warning signs include declining grades or loss of interest in school, avoiding being in places where bullies are (including school) and complaints of feeling sick (headaches, stomach aches). In addition, children who are being bullied may show changing sleeping or eating habits, decreased self-esteem, and self-destructive or self-injurious behaviors.
"Bullying prevention is our goal,” Altman said. “Identifying children who are at risk of being bullied can help prevent bullying from happening or escalating.”
Children who are at greater risk of being bullied are those who are perceived as being different — which can include anything from race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation to disabilities — have few friends and have difficulties related to depression and anxiety.
When it comes to bullying intervention, Altman recommends a trauma-informed approach which shifts the question of “What is wrong with you?” to “What happened to me?" First, adults should ensure that the child being bullied is safe. Then they can teach relaxation skills to help children cope.
In addition to in-person bullying, cyberbullying — a type of bullying that is inflicted via virtual means such as through texting, social media and the internet — is on the rise. StopBullying.Gov recommends teaching children about digital safety and etiquette to help prevent the damages of cyberbullying.
“School-wide education about individual differences, as well as adults modeling acceptance, creates a safe environment where bullying is not tolerated,” Altman said.
If you are concerned that a child you know is being bullied, visit the resources below:
