Bullying is a significant problem in schools, It is a form of aggression that involves using power and control to harm someone. It can include physical, verbal, or emotional abuse.
Bullying can have serious adverse effects on the bullied person, such as depression, low self-esteem, and even suicide. It is vital to recognise bullying and take steps to prevent it.
Impact Of Bullying On Child’s Mental Health
Bullying can have serious and long-term consequences on a child's physical and mental health. It can cause dread, depression, worry, and low self-esteem. It can be difficult for children to cope with bullying, as they may experience a range of negative emotions, from helplessness and sadness to anger and frustration. This emotional distress can lead to physical symptoms like headaches and sleep disturbances. In extreme cases, bullying can even lead to thoughts of suicide. It is essential to recognize the signs of mental health distress in a child that may result from bullying and to provide support and help.
According to a study, bullying based on an individual's identity, such as sexual orientation, gender identity is associated with feelings of despair or suicidal ideation. The authors of study used data from the 2018 Iowa Youth Survey, a comprehensive questionnaire distributed every two or three years to private and public school kids in the sixth, eighth, and eleventh grades across Iowa. They looked at 70,451 authenticated replies to see if there were any links between mental health and bullying.
How To Create An Environment Free From Bullying
Schools can offer an environment free from bullying by creating clear policies, providing resources, and training staff to recognise and address the reasons behind it. Parents should also discuss bullying with their children and create a safe space for them to talk about their experiences.
Also read: Cyber Bullying as Bad as Physical Violence, Study
At the same time, it is essential to focus on teaching children to be assertive and to stand up for themselves. Teaching children how to respond to bullying and be active bystanders can help stop bullying before it starts.
It is also essential to recognise that bullying is only sometimes blatant. Not all bullying is physical or verbal. It can also be emotional, such as spreading rumours or ostracizing someone. It is essential to recognize these types of bullying and to take steps to stop it.
Also read: Bullying Has Long-Term Negative Consequences
Bullying is a serious issue that needs to be addressed to create a safe and supportive environment for everyone. It is essential for parents, teachers, and students to work together to develop a culture of respect and understanding.
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