What are the Effects of Bullying on Children?

Bullying, the use of superior strength to intimidate someone who is likely less superior can happen anywhere and may have a long-term effect not only to the victim but to the offender and the witnesses as well.

Violence Prevention Works elaborated the characters involved in bullying depending on the level of their involvement on the act. Whether the person's participation be firsthand, known as victim and suspect level; or the secondhand, those who witnessed the act; there will be a lot of social and emotional impact on all the parties.

The victim is more likely to gradually develop low self-esteem resulting to poor grades and health problems. If for any reason the problem have not been addressed and acted on immediately and the victim remains exposed to harm, the child may in time develop depression or even suicidal thoughts.

If not handled promptly and properly, the offender, the one who carries on a bullying action towards another child has chances of possessing the urge to be involved in fights. Since violence may become a norm in the child's life, alcoholism, vandalism stealing and becoming a threat to other's safety can become the worst yet realistic outcome.

Certain emotional effects can also be seen on children witnessing the bullying. They tend to develop the guilt for not being able to do something to save the victim or in some cases they may have the desire to participate. These children in time are more likely to be fearful in the presence of potential violent acts.

Bullies are made not born. It may be an outcome of their past experiences of being a victim themselves. It can also be an effect of the environment they have whether in school or at home.

To separate the victim from the offender is the first most important action to take. However, handlers must keep in mind that both the victim and the offender are in need of help.

The victim may have to go through a series of counselling and medication to overcome the trauma and to regain the confidence. The offender, on the other hand, must also go through counselling and be well guided. The child needs to understand the possible effect of the action and that no one deserves to harm and be harmed, according to Help Guide.