Various Effects of Bullying

Bullying has lasting effects on everyone from the individual that is being bullied to the individual that performs the bullying to the individual that witnesses the actions of bullying. Studies show that bullying has significant and lasting effects on anyone that is involved in bullying no matter their role.

Those that are Bullied

Individuals that find themselves the victims of bullying are much more likely to not just miss or skip school but also to drop out of school before graduation. The increase in drop-outs over the years is unbearable to many and to think that bullying is a cause of some of these drop-outs is rather alarming if you ask me. Aside from the above-mentioned, here are some of the effects that bullying can have on the victims:

Are at a higher risk of developing anxiety and depression, which includes a number of systems such as loss of internet in school activities, changes in eating habits and sleeping patterns and increased feelings of loneliness and sadness. These problems are not just problems that the children face as adolescents, but also into adulthood - possibly forever.

Are at a higher risk of thoughts about suicide, which could also persist into adulthood and could possibly last forever. Various studies show that individuals that were bullied were as much as three times more likely to have thoughts of suicide than those who did not experience bullying.

Are less involved in school activities and suffer from a lower GPA.

Are much more likely to complain about their health. Some studies say that victims of bullying reported an unhealthy health status physically within three years.

Are extremely more likely to retaliate against their attacker through violent measures. Within the 1990's, there were 15 school shootings and in 12 of them, the shooters had some sort of history with being bullied.

Those That Bully Others

Just as victims have their own set of effects, the ones that bully have several effects as well. Those that bully others are:

More likely to take part in sexual activity at an early age.

More likely to take part in vandalizing property, get into fights and even drop out of school.

At higher risk for developing an alcohol consumption problem during adolescence as well as well into adulthood.

More likely to be abusive to friends, family members and significant others. This could lead into adulthood with their children when the individual becomes a parent and has children.

More likely to have a criminal background in adulthood. One study showed that over half of the males that bullied others in middle school had a criminal record by the time they reached their middle twenties.

Those That Witness the Actions of Bullying

The effects of bullying are not limited to the victim and the attacker themselves, but also anyone that witnesses the action of bullying. Those that witness bullying actions are:

More likely to skip school.
More likely to have an increased usage of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
More vulnerable to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.