Be a Buddy, Not a Bully The Impact of Bullying on Adolescent Mental Health

The Impact of Bullying on Adolescent Mental Health

The act of bullying goes beyond the saying that “kids will be kids”. Research shows that bullying has serious and long-lasting negative effects on one’s mental health, increasing the risk for depression and other serious issues [3]. With depression being a major risk factor for suicidal ideations in adolescents and suicide being one of the leading causes of death in this population, bullying awareness becomes crucial. In fact, according to Man et al. (2022), “adolescent bullying is a public health issue of great global concern. Given the serious negative effect of bullying on adolescent mental health, it is critical to seek protective factors to protect adolescent mental health.”

 

What is Bullying?

Bullying is the intentional act of aggressive behavior designed to intimidate or hurt another person. Bullying can come in many forms: 

• Physical: Hitting, pushing, demanding property
• Verbal: Name-calling, making threats
• Social: Spreading rumors, neglect/exclusion, humiliation
• Cyberbullying: harassment through social media and/or texting [2]

A bruise may fade, but a cruel comment can echo for years. Studies show that verbal bullying had significant negative effects on adolescent mental health compared to physical bullying, especially for female adolescents compared to male adolescents [2]. So how do we train ourselves to see the invisible?

 

How to Recognize When Someone is Being Bullied

Because bullying can lead to mental health issues, including depression, the signs and symptoms we look for in adolescents may present through emotions or psychosomatic complaints rather than physical indicators [1].

Signs to look for include:

• Isolation/Avoidance: Skipping school, not wanting to hang out with friends/family
• Changes in Behavior: Changes in appetite, loss of interest in hobbies/friends
• Somatic Complaints: Frequent complaints of headaches or stomach-aches
• Signs of Depression: Persistent sadness or irritability, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

If you notice a teenager’s mood or behavior has changed significantly and has lasted for more than two weeks, it may be time to seek professional support.

 

How to Recognize When Someone is Being a Bully

Bullies are not always easy to identify, as they may not necessarily be physically aggressive, intimidating or openly mean. Much bully-behavior is subtle, social or online. Signs to look for include:

• Frequent teasing, mocking or humiliation of peers
• Excluding others from groups, activities or social events
• Spreading rumors or gossip
• Showing little empathy [1, 2]

It is important to remember that while bullying behavior is never okay, it is often an indicator that the person doing the bullying is not okay themselves. Many young people who bully others are struggling with their own emotional challenges, trauma, peer pressure, or struggles at home. If you suspect that someone is a bully, address their behavior with accountability, education, and support. They need empathy and connection so that they can begin to open up and learn better ways to communicate and cope.

 

How to Prevent Bullying

Creating a culture of kindness starts with you. How are you showing up for others? As our youth are beginning to shape their identities during their formative teenage years, it is vital that we cultivate an environment where they feel respected, loved, included, and empowered. If you have a young person in your life, ensure that they feel safe to speak up to you if they are experiencing bullying or are behaving like a bully. Ask them questions. Notice changes in their behavior. Provide them with empathy. Share your own stories and experiences to let them know they are not alone. Empower them to stick up for themselves if something isn’t right. Lastly, give them a sense of belonging. A simple act of inclusion can make a powerful difference.

Call to Action: August is widely recognized as Don’t Be a Bully Month and Bullying Awareness and Prevention Month. Before the start of a new school year, check in with the young people in your life. Reach out, connect, and let them know that they can come to you when something’s wrong. Be the person you may wish you had when you were a child.

 

 

About The Author: 

As a purpose-driven optimist, Abby Rallo pairs her experience as an educator with her duty to serve as a registered nurse to provide hope to humans. She is a firm believer that ‘giving makes you richer’ and even on her worst day, she aims to spread joy and kindness to others. Learn more about how Abby combines her values with innovative, evidence-based therapeutic programming at vialindabehavioral.com 

(Graphics submitted)