What impact bullying has among children

As the new school year commences, many children will experience school for the first time as they enrol in Grade RR, Grade R or Grade One.

Some of them might also experience bullying for the first time.

Bullying can have significant and lasting neurological impacts on primary school learners.

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Types of bullying include physical bullying, verbal bullying and social bullying.

Bullying affects victims more or less the same.

Specialist investigator Mike Bolhuis spoke to the Kempton Express.

“The emotional impact consists of victims often experiencing feelings of fear, anxiety and depression.

“This can lead to a decline in self-esteem and academic performance.

“Bullying can also manifest physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches and changes in sleeping patterns,” he said.

“The stress and anxiety associated with bullying can interfere with a child’s ability to concentrate and succeed academically.

“Bullying triggers the body’s stress response, leading to the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.”

Bolhuis further stated that prolonged exposure to stress can affect neurotransmitter levels, including dopamine and serotonin, which play critical roles in mood regulation.

“Prolonged exposure to bullying can negatively impact cognitive functions, including attention, concentration, and problem-solving skills,” he said.

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“Neurological changes may contribute to a decline in academic performance.

“The stress associated with bullying can disrupt the development of emotional regulation circuits in the brain, leading to difficulties in managing emotions and there is a higher risk of developing mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among individuals who have been bullied.”

Bolhuis stated that while exposure to bullying has adverse neurological effects, supportive relationships and interventions can act as protective factors, promoting resilience and mitigating some of the negative consequences.

“Some adults, parents, and teachers might trivialise the impact of bullying on especially young children but when empirical evidence shows the actual harm it does, it becomes “critical to take responsibility and address such behaviour,” he said.

He added that it is important to note that individual responses to bullying can vary, and not all children who experience bullying will necessarily develop long-term neurological consequences.

“Nevertheless, understanding the potential neurological impact emphasises the importance of preventing and addressing bullying in primary schools to promote students’ overall well-being and healthy development.

“Early intervention and support systems can play a crucial role in mitigating the negative effects of bullying on the developing brain,” he said.