BULLYING Some Causes and Effects

Physical and Emotional Effects

A report from the National Association of School Psychologists in the United States says that every  day more than 160,000 children miss school because they fear being bullied. Targets of bullying may stop talking about school or about a particular class or activity at school. They may try to go to school late each day or miss classes or even make excuses to miss school entirely.

How might children who are being bullied be identified?  Well, they may become moody, irritable, frustrated, or act tired and withdrawn. They may become aggressive with those at home or with peers and friends.  Innocent bystanders who observe acts  of bullying also suffer consequences. The situation induces considerable fear in them, which detracts from their ability to learn.

However, the journal Pediatrics in Review says:  "The most extreme consequence of bullying for victims and society is violence, including suicide and murder. The sense of powerlessness experienced by children who are victimized can be so profound that some react with self-destructive acts or lethal retaliation."

Next time: BULLYING Some Causes and Effects - Conclusion of Physical and Emotional Effects

From the Awake! magazine, 2003