If you are here reading this that means you are well aware of the word BULLYING and its sensitivity. So, let's proceed with the effects of it. Someone might say he or she has never faced bullying in their life. Well, that is something I am not sure about. I, myself, have faced bullying in one way or other in my childhood. Being harassed can affect your mental, physical and emotional health.
Teenagers who face harassment in any way seem to be more depressed, have anxiety and low self-esteem. Bullying is a serious matter and should be taken thoughtfully. Bullies are at higher risk of being anti-social. Youngsters who have tormented others and who have been forced to bear harassing, experience the most serious impacts. They're at a more serious gamble for mental and social issues.
How to proceed towards the problem of Bullying
Talking to your child about their experience and letting them show their emotions is all they need. Don't try to treat it as an unimportant event. Let your child speak and tell you how they feel. Sometimes only talking about this issue is not enough. Parents need to take some steps for the wellbeing of their child.
Also, encouraging your child to speak up about the situation can give them strength. Make them feel at home. Let them talk about the stuff they have gone through. This might not help with overcoming the trauma, but it will give them courage to move forward in life.
Most children don't like to talk about the stress or harassment they have gone through. Try to pay close attention to their behavior. Teenagers going through this phase mostly show aggression, hyper behavior, eating disorder, lack of interest in studies, and antisocial attitude.
Effects on Mental health
Teenagers facing bullying trauma have a very severe effect on their mental health. They show some very serious symptoms.
They may act clingy all the time. Change in their attitude leads to mental health problems.
Eating disorders can be the cause of bullying. Teenagers’ not paying attention to their eating schedule or eating more than normal is an alarming situation.
Harassment affects one's sleeping schedule also. Taking long naps or no sleep at all upsets their mental health.
Less academic achievement or zero interest in extracurricular activities is a sign of mental health issues.
Getting into unnecessary fights over little things. Showing aggressive attitude every now and then. The problems they don't share results in aggression.
Prefer staying alone in presence of their friends. Anyone who is bullied in any way blames people around them for not understanding their condition.
Teachers and parents play an important role in any teenager's life. Giving them some of your time can be a big thing for them. Trauma that is not discussed becomes a painful memory with time. It affects their childhood, studies and what not.
These are some of the symptoms that children's show visibly. Whereas, anxiety, low self-esteem, anti-social behavior, stress, loneliness are signs that are not shown very visibly. Paying close attention to your child can help you to find out their problem. Talking to them as their friend can help them cope up with the trauma.
Bullying not only makes those years difficult for a child but also gives a long life trauma. Other than this, youth and teenagers who witness bullying and say nothing can have an expanded possibility of feeling restless, discouraged, or guilty.
Talking about Bullying
This might be a milestone kind of step but talking about it in public is all victims need. Breaking these barriers will help the youth to stand up against their bullies. One step will save many lives. Keeping it as a secret or getting scared will only worsen the mental health of your child.
Bullying affects everyone sadly, not only the victim. The future of the person getting bullied gets tarnished badly. Teenagers might not have the power to stand with confidence in the future against any bad thing happening. It leads to severe mental illness as well as affects future relationships.
Whenever you suspect a slight change in your child's behavior, don't wait for them to express. Ask away, give them their space. Children don't share until or unless they feel safe with you. Take small steps to ensure your child's safety. Be a guide for them. Most importantly start the conversation in a friendly way, be their friend for some time.
Understanding your child is the most important thing you can do at that time. Seek help from professionals. Bullying can leave some harsh memories in your child's mind if not treated correctly. This may seem like a small thing but it can affect their mental health in a bad way.
