STOP!T – The long term effects of bullying

Over the past few years bullying and abuse have become major problems in our schools and communities.
Thankfully, attention has been given to the issue and research was conducted to determine the long-term effects of bullying on the victims.

Depression and suffering 
Victims usually relive the trauma they faced and feelings of sadness and loneliness tend to seep into adulthood and the risk of suicidal thoughts, suicidal plans and suicidal attempts increase. Some individuals may even develop chronic depression and post-traumatic stress disorders which effect their general well being.
Anxiety disorders
Bullies usually feel that they are undesired and unwanted in their social circles due to the constant bulling. Due to their lack of control over the experiences they develop low self-esteem. This results in anxiety disorders that automatically links fear to any social interactions.
Substance abuse and risk of antisocial behaviour
The desire to fit in leaves people vulnerable to negative peer influences, bullied individuals will look to connecting with people as a form of protection from continued abuse, unfortunately, poor self-esteem and a desire to fit in can cause people to make poor choices when it comes to choosing friends and participating in negative coping mechanisms. The emotional pain caused by bullying can lead to alcoholism and drug abuse during adolescence which is likely to persist into adulthood.
Social withdrawal
The experience of being bullied can cause an individual to withdraw from social contact with their peers. This is because they lose confidence in their ability to manage relationships and no longer trust others to accept them as they are. In some cases, the effects of the loss of control that occurs during bullying can become an anger problem. As emotions build up, someone can explode in anger when confronted with a threatening or ‘cornering’ situation. This behaviour can lead to problems at work and may cause difficulty establishing trusting friendships and relationships.
Through providing proper psychological treatment and establishing support systems, victims of bullying can prevent some of the potential long-term consequences of bullying.

STOPit has claimed a 50 per cent reduction in reported incidents in schools using the STOPit system. It has allowed schools to take on a proactive stance towards dealing with incidents of bullying and harassment, improving students learning environments and educational experience.
To become a STOPit protected school, simply get in touch with warrenh@blankpage.co.za or 084 400 5995.
We will help find your school a sponsor so that it costs you nothing.

Details: www.stopbullying.gov