Bullying can have serious effects on both physical and emotional health, both in the short term and later in life. It can lead to physical injuries, social and emotional problems, and even, in extreme cases, death. Those who experience bullying are at a higher risk of developing mental health issues, headaches, and difficulty adjusting to school, work, and social situations. It can also cause long-term damage to self-esteem.
Bullying doesn’t just affect the victims—it also impacts those who witness it. Bystanders are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as increased use of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs. They may also experience mental health struggles, including anxiety and depression. While bullying is often linked to suicide, it is not the sole cause. Suicide risk is influenced by multiple factors, including depression, trauma, and problems at home. A lack of support from parents, peers, schools, or workplaces can further increase this risk, and bullying can worsen an already difficult situation.
Bullies seek to assert power over others, often targeting those they perceive as vulnerable. One effective strategy is to show that their words and actions don’t affect you. Keeping your composure can take away their sense of control. Try these approaches:
• If someone makes jokes at your expense, laugh along with them.
• If someone gives sarcastic or fake compliments, thank them as if you take it at face value.
• If someone says something rude, act as though you didn’t hear them.
• If someone keeps bringing up a mistake you made, respond by saying you’ve moved on and no longer care.
• If you do something embarrassing, stay calm and don’t let it show—this denies them any satisfaction.
While these strategies are not guaranteed to stop bullying, standing up for yourself in the best way possible is important. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Bullying is a form of injustice that affects not just the victim but everyone around them.