The Effects of Bullying on a Child's Mental Health and What Parents Can Do to Help
Bullying is a serious problem that can have a devastating impact on a child's mental health. Did you know that one in five children in the United States report being bullied at school? And, in fact, cyberbullying has become even more common than traditional bullying. A 2021 survey found that 35% of students in grades 6-10 had been cyberbullied in the past year. So, as a parent, if bullying and cyberbullying are not on your radar, they most certainly should be – and, here’s why …
Victims of bullying are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts. They may also withdraw from social activities and have difficulty forming relationships. In some cases, bullying can even lead to physical violence or self-harm.
What are the effects of bullying on a child's mental health?
The effects of bullying on a child's mental health can be far-reaching and long-lasting.
Some of the most common effects include:
- Depression. Victims of bullying are more likely to experience depression than children who are not bullied. Depression can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and thoughts of suicide.
- Anxiety. Bullying can also lead to anxiety. Victims of bullying may feel anxious about going to school, being around other people, or even just leaving their homes. They may also have trouble sleeping, concentrating, and making decisions.
- Low self-esteem. Bullying can damage a child's self-esteem. Victims of bullying may start to believe that they are worthless or unlovable. This can lead to problems with self-confidence, social skills, and academic performance.
- Social isolation. Bullying can also lead to social isolation. Victims of bullying may withdraw from social activities and avoid interacting with other people. This can make it difficult to make friends and build relationships.
- Suicidal thoughts. In some cases, bullying can lead to suicidal thoughts or even suicide attempts. If you are concerned that your child is thinking about suicide, please seek help immediately.
Bullying can also have long-term consequences, including:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims of bullying are more likely to develop PTSD than children who are not bullied.
- Substance abuse. Victims of bullying are more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs than children who are not bullied.
If you are concerned about your child's mental health, please seek professional help. A therapist can help your child to cope with the negative effects of bullying and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
What can parents do about bullying?
There are several things that parents can do to help prevent bullying and protect their children from its negative effects.
Here are a few tips:
- Talk to your child about bullying. Talk to your child about bullying and what to do if they are being bullied. Make sure they know that they are not alone and that you will help them.
- Be a role model. Be a good role model for your child by demonstrating positive behavior and treating others with respect.
- Encourage your child to stand up to bullies. Teach your child how to stand up to bullies in a safe and effective way.
- Get involved in your child's school. Get involved in your child's school and make sure that the school has a strong anti-bullying policy in place.
- Report bullying to the school. If you believe that your child is being bullied, report it to the school immediately.
Here are some tips on how parents can prevent cyberbullying:
- Talk to your child about cyberbullying. Talk to your child about cyberbullying and what to do if they are being cyberbullied. Make sure they know that they are not alone and that you will help them.
- Set clear rules about cyberbullying. Set clear rules about cyberbullying and what will happen if your child engages in it. Make sure they understand that cyberbullying is not acceptable behavior.
- Monitor your child's online activity. Monitor your child's online activity to make sure they are not being cyberbullied. This doesn't mean you have to read every text or email they send, but you should be aware of the websites they visit and the people they interact with online.
- Teach your child about online safety. Teach your child about online safety and how to protect themselves from cyberbullying. This includes things like not sharing personal information online, being careful about who they friend on social media, and not responding to cyberbullying messages.
- Encourage your child to report cyberbullying. Encourage your child to report cyberbullying to you, a trusted adult, or the school. Cyberbullying is a serious problem, and it is important to take steps to stop it.
- Be a role model. Be a role model for your child by demonstrating positive behavior and treating others with respect. This will help your child learn how to interact with others in a positive way, both online and offline.
If you are concerned that your child is being cyberbullied, please take action immediately. Talk to your child, monitor their online activity, and report the cyberbullying to the school or authorities. With your help, your child can stay safe from cyberbullying.
Here are some additional tips for parents on how to prevent cyberbullying:
- Use parental controls. Parental controls can help you restrict your child's access to certain websites and apps. This can help to prevent them from being exposed to cyberbullying content.
- Talk to your child's friends and family. Let your child's friends and family know about cyberbullying and how to spot it. This can help to create a network of support for your child if they are being cyberbullied.
- Get involved in your child's school. Get involved in your child's school and make sure that the school has a strong anti-bullying policy in place. This will help to create a safe and supportive environment for your child.
- Be patient. It may take time for your child to open up to you about cyberbullying. Be patient and understanding and let them know that you are there for them.
Resources
It is important to remember that bullying is never the victim's fault. If your child is being bullied, please help them to get the help they need. Together, you can overcome this difficult experience. Here are some resources that can help.
• The National Bullying Prevention Center
• The Cyberbullying Research Center
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or Call/Text 988