Bullying does not only affect the victim but also the bully. There are SO many affects to what happens and the lists can go on and on. Here are some of the most common researched effects of bullying.
The Victim
Kids or adults who are bullied can lose interest in school or work. They may suffer physical injuries and mental health issues.
They may suffer depression and anxiety.
They suffer eating and sleep disorders and lose interest in activities they used to enjoy.
Do things to themselves to get rid of the pain or memory that is connected to the feelings or abuse they went through.
There have been media reports on extreme cases where victims end up committing suicide (killing themselves) or shooting in retaliation. Some people call this tragedy ‘Bullicide’. In the 1990’s about 70% of school shooting were bully-retaliation related.
The Victim can end up becoming the bully due to psychological impact it had on the person’s life. In some cases it has shown that the person that was bullied becomes the bully in their adulthood and even goes as far to seek revenge and commit murder.
The Bully
Start alcohol and drugs abuse in adolescence and as adults.
Engage in fights and vandalism. Some end up as school drop-outs.
Engage in early sexual activity and become vulnerable to child sexual abuse and sexually transmitted infections.
Bullies may become abusers toward their spouses/children and co-workers.
Bring physical harm to themselves in the form of cutting to get rid the feeling or emotion related to what they might have done to the victim during the day or past.
Become abusive towards their loved ones, family, partners or friends.
In some cases go to the extreme by murdering someone or even commit suicide.
