Why bullying is bad?

According to Ward Therapy Associates, Bullying occurs when one person (or group of people) in a position of power deliberately intimidates, abuses, or coerces an individual intending to hurt that person physically or emotionally. It is a pattern of aggressive behavior that can be physical or verbal. 

Bullying has many negative, long-lasting effects, not only on the bullied but also on those who bully others and those who witness bullying. Bullying is linked to many negative outcomes, including mental health, substance use, and suicide. 

Bullied kids often experience negative physical, social, and mental health issues.  They are more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety, have increased feelings of loneliness and sadness, and have health complaints. They are also more likely to lose interest in the things they previously loved. Their sleeping patterns and eating patterns can change, and they are more likely to miss, skip, or drop out of school. According to stopbullying.org, 12 out of 15 school shooting cases in the 1990s, the shooters had a history of being bullied at school. Social rejection and bullying are common factors among students who become school shooters.

Students are reacting to bullying much more violently than in the past.  According to USA Today, there have been 25 fatal school shootings since the infamous Columbine shooting in 1999.   In the last 30 years, the suicide rate among middle-school-age children has increased 50%, as reported by The American Association of Suicidology.  There is a clear increase in violence towards others and oneself as a reaction to social rejection and bullying.

According to stopbullying.org, kids who bully others are more likely to abuse alcohol and other drugs while young and as adults. They’re more likely to get into fights or vandalize property. They have higher dropout rates, higher rates of criminal convictions, and traffic citations as adults and can even become abusive to their partners, spouses, or children as adults.

Sometimes, those who are bullied become those who bully. According to stopbullying.com, those who both bully and are bullied suffer the most serious effects. They are at greater risk for mental and behavioral problems than those who are victims or bullies alone. Rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide ideation and behaviors are greatest in this group.