The Lasting Effects of Bullying on Children
Bullying isn't just a requisite phase kids go through. Experiencing bullying is a deep trauma. It often leaves lasting scars. While many may believe children "get over it" after some time, research has shown that bullying has profound and long-lasting effects on a child's mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being. The effects of bullying often persist well into adulthood. Without the proper legal and emotional support, bullying creates challenges that are difficult to overcome.
As a parent, recognizing the deep impact bullying can have on your child is crucial. Beyond emotional and psychological scars, bullying can affect every aspect of a child's life, from their relationships and academic performance to their physical health. Understanding these consequences and taking action can help protect your child's future.
Emotional and Psychological Consequences of Bullying
Children who are bullying victims are at a significantly higher risk of developing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Bullying is often rooted in humiliation, fear, and isolation, creating a deep emotional wound that can last for years.
Victims of bullying often begin to internalize negative messages, which can erode their self-esteem. A bullied child eventually enters a negative feedback loop. They believe negative things about themselves and become paralyzed with self-doubt. Consequently, they socially withdraw, developing social anxiety. These issues can cause lasting difficulty in forming healthy relationships in adulthood, resulting in a diminished quality of life.
Moreover, bullying impacts academic performance. Children who experience bullying lack motivation, struggle with concentration, and may avoid participating in school activities. In severe cases, children may refuse to attend school altogether.
Behavioral Changes: How Bullying Alters Actions
The emotional toll of bullying often leads to dramatic behavioral changes. Some children may develop harmful coping mechanisms such as self-harm, while others may experience suicidal thoughts. As experts point out, the feeling of being trapped with no escape is overwhelming, which makes bullying a major contributor to adolescent self-harm and suicide risk.
On the other hand, some children may become aggressive as a defense mechanism, turning hostile towards others. As a result, trust issues manifest, leading to difficulty maintaining relationships in adulthood. These behavioral changes can impact your child's future relationships and emotional stability.
Physical Health Consequences of Bullying
The effects of bullying aren't limited to emotional trauma; they can also take a toll on your child's physical health. Chronic stress from bullying can lead to the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which can weaken the immune system, making children more susceptible to illnesses.
Victims of bullying often experience headaches, stomach aches, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. Over time, this chronic stress can lead to unhealthy coping behaviors such as emotional eating, substance abuse, or further social withdrawal. These physical consequences can have long-term effects on your child's overall health and well-being.
What Does The Research Show?
As suggested by research in a BMJ Open Access research study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, the following statistics paint a clear picture: bullying is not a rite of passage—it’s a public health crisis. Early legal and psychological intervention is essential.
Bullying is the most common form of child abuse—more frequent than abuse from adults.
1 in 3 children report being bullied at some point in their lives, and 10–14% endure chronic bullying lasting over 6 months.
Victims are 18 times more likely to suffer from anxiety, especially with repeated or relational bullying.
Bullying can affect up to 49 brain regions, including those responsible for stress and emotion regulation.
CRP levels (inflammatory markers) are twice as high in young adults who were bullied, indicating lasting physical health risks.
Nearly 50% of bullied children never tell their parents; 35–60% don’t tell teachers, showing widespread underreporting.
Victims earn less, struggle more with relationships, and experience poorer health by age 50 than their peers.
Bully/victims are at greatest risk for long-term issues including early parenthood, suicidal ideation, and antisocial behavior.
The Importance of Taking Action: How Legal Support Can Help
As a parent, taking immediate action is crucial if your child is a bullying victim. Intervention at an early stage can prevent long-term harm, and one of the most essential steps is seeking legal support to protect your child's rights. Schools are legally obligated to provide a safe environment for all students, and when they fail to do so, they must be held accountable.
Adam T. Mandell, the founder of LegalAlly.com, has spent over 15 years representing school districts and has extensive experience in school law. He has completed training in the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), one of the country's most comprehensive anti-bullying programs. His background equips him with the knowledge needed to hold schools accountable for their failure to protect students from bullying.
Legal intervention is crucial in cases where the school has failed to address the bullying adequately. A lawyer with experience in this area can help you navigate the legal process, advocate for your child's needs, and ensure the school meets its obligations. Additionally, a lawyer can help you pursue damages if your child has suffered emotionally, psychologically, or physically as a result of bullying.
How to Break the Cycle of Bullying
Tackling bullying requires a coordinated effort from parents, teachers, and society. The first step is to create a safe and supportive environment where children feel heard, valued, and protected. Parents can encourage open communication with their children, ensuring they feel comfortable discussing their school experiences. Teachers must also enforce strong anti-bullying policies and take swift action against perpetrators.
In some cases, it may be necessary to take legal action to ensure the school fulfills its responsibilities. LegalAlly.com will help you understand the complexity of school law and ensure that the school provides the safety and support your child deserves.
Contact Adam T. Mandell, one of the nation’s most experienced anti school-bullying attorneys in the nation. The first step towards pursuing justice and restoring peace and normalcy is scheduling an initial consultation.