Written by Rebecca Truce

M.S. in Child Development, Early Childhood Emphasis | SDSU University

Fact Checked

Bullying is a hurtful and harmful behavior involving the intentional targeting of an individual to cause them pain, distress, or discomfort. It’s similar to a situation where one person consistently treats another person unkindly or unfairly. This behavior can manifest in various ways, such as the use of hurtful language, physical harm, or purposeful exclusion.

Bullying often arises from a perceived power imbalance, making it challenging for the person being bullied to effectively defend themselves. The effects of bullying are enduring and impactful, influencing one’s self-perception and relationships. Individuals who experience bullying may grapple with feelings of fear, sadness, and diminished self-worth. It’s crucial to recognize that bullying’s negative impact extends beyond the immediate target, affecting the overall atmosphere of a school, workplace, or community, thereby creating an environment of unease and unhappiness.

Types of Bullying

There are several distinct forms of bullying, each with its own way of causing harm and discomfort to individuals. Understanding these types can help shed light on the various ways bullying can occur:

Verbal Bullying: This form revolves around the use of hurtful words and phrases to belittle, humiliate, or upset someone. It’s like when hurtful comments, name-calling, or insults are repeatedly aimed at a person, causing emotional pain.

Physical Bullying: This type involves using physical actions to hurt or intimidate others. It’s comparable to situations where pushing, hitting, or even damaging someone’s belongings occurs repeatedly, causing both physical and emotional pain.

Relational Bullying: Also known as social bullying, this type focuses on manipulating social relationships to exclude, isolate, or damage a person’s reputation. It’s akin to spreading rumors, gossiping, or purposefully excluding someone, which can lead to deep emotional distress.

Cyberbullying: With the rise of technology, cyberbullying has emerged as a serious concern. This type employs digital platforms like social media, emails, or text messages to harass, threaten, or humiliate individuals. It’s like using the online space to spread hurtful words and images, causing emotional harm from a distance.

Recognizing these different forms of bullying is vital to addressing the issue and providing support to those who may be experiencing it. Society is actively working to combat bullying and cultivate positive change. Education emphasizing kindness and respect, the implementation of anti-bullying policies, and the establishment of safe spaces for dialogue are essential components of this effort.

The following resources aim to build awareness and provide information and assistance to those who experience bullying and its effects.

Bullying and Early Childhood

Bullying can have profound and lasting effects on children’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Here’s a look at some of the common effects:

1. Emotional and Psychological Impact: Children who are bullied often experience a range of negative emotions, including anxiety, fear, sadness, and anger. The constant stress of dealing with bullying can lead to decreased self-esteem, reduced self-confidence, and a distorted self-image. Victims of bullying might also struggle with feelings of powerlessness and hopelessness.
2. Mental Health Issues: Bullying has been linked to various mental health problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Children who are bullied are at an increased risk of developing these mental health conditions, which can have long-lasting implications if not addressed.
3. Academic Impact: Bullying can interfere with a child’s ability to focus and perform well in school. They may become distracted, have trouble completing assignments, and experience a decline in academic performance. This can further contribute to feelings of frustration and inadequacy.
4. Social Isolation: Victims of bullying often withdraw from social situations to avoid further harm. They might have difficulty making friends and forming healthy relationships due to their fear of being hurt again. This isolation can lead to loneliness and feelings of alienation.
5. Physical Health Effects: The emotional toll of bullying can manifest in physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, and other stress-related ailments. In severe cases, the stress from bullying could weaken the immune system and make the child more susceptible to illness.
6. Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior: In extreme cases, bullying can contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Children who feel overwhelmed by the relentless bullying might contemplate self-harm as a way to escape the pain they’re experiencing. This underscores the seriousness of addressing bullying promptly and effectively.
7. Long-Term Consequences: The effects of bullying can extend into adulthood. Adults who were bullied as children might still carry the emotional scars, affecting their self-esteem, relationships, and overall mental well-being.

It’s important to recognize these effects and take action to prevent and address bullying. Providing support, creating safe environments, and promoting open communication are essential steps in helping children cope with the aftermath of bullying and minimizing its lasting impact.

What Can Parents Do About Bullying?

Parents play a crucial role in preventing and addressing bullying. Here are some steps they can take, along with links to some helpful resources:

1. Open Communication: Maintain open and honest communication with your child. Encourage them to share their feelings, experiences, and any concerns they may have. This will help you stay informed about their well-being and any potential bullying incidents.
   Resource: Discuss the concept of bullying with your child using resources from StopBullying.gov’s Parent Portal to facilitate the conversation.
2. Educate Your Child: Teach your child about what bullying is, how to recognize it, and what to do if they experience or witness it. Equip them with strategies to handle bullying situations assertively and safely.
   Resource: Use the guidance provided by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center to educate your child about bullying and empower them with knowledge.
3. Promote Empathy: Foster empathy and kindness in your child by discussing the importance of treating others with respect and understanding. Encourage them to speak up for other people who might be the target of bullies.
4. Stay Engaged: Be involved in your child’s school life. Attend parent-teacher conferences, school events, and engage with teachers and school staff. Establishing a strong relationship with the school can help address bullying effectively.
   Resource: Utilize the tips from KidsHealth’s article on dealing with bullying for insights on engaging with schools and educators.
5. Recognize Signs: Be vigilant for signs that your child may be experiencing bullying, such as changes in behavior, mood, or academic performance. Listen to their concerns and take them seriously.
6. Report Incidents: If your child reports bullying, take appropriate action. Contact the school to inform them about the situation and work collaboratively with teachers, counselors, and administrators to address the issue.
7. Seek Professional Help: If your child is showing signs of distress or experiencing severe emotional effects from bullying, consider seeking support from mental health professionals who specialize in working with children and adolescents.