Consequences of Bullying in Schools

  

Consequences of Bullying in Schools

It is no shock that bullying presents negative effects for the victim and recipient of on-going verbal, physical, or emotional harassment.

Children who are bullied often tell their parents about physical ailments and complaints. A few examples of   ailments identified by a child who is bullied include anxiousness, stomach pains, headaches, and the inability to sleep.  Parents should be aware when their child begins to complain with phantom aches and  pains as an excuse to miss school.  Increased complaints from a child indicating physical ailments and instances of illness are consequences of bullying in schools. Take a moment to review this website which provides valuable information on bullying:  http://www.stopbullying.gov/at-risk/effects/

 Frequent absenteeism from school becomes a way for the victim to escape the bully and avoid the unpleasant, intimidating atmosphere of the classroom and school environment. Bullied children typically try to avoid going to the place where they experience negative actions and discomfort.  Imagine being a child who feels this type of discomfort at a required activity such as school. Most adults have experienced at least one situation where you felt ill at ease or unwelcome in a group.  The bullied student misses valuable instructional time  which causes a higher rate of absenteeism from school and decreases the students' time learning important content.  Increased or excessive absenteeism and a general dislike for school are consequences of bullying in school. 

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The consequences of bullying in school have far-reaching effects on many other individuals in addition to the victim.  Bullying in a school environment detracts from a teacher’s ability to teach.  Bullying  also interferes with students’ ability to focus on learning. Bullying creates a negative school culture and fosters fear.  Students are afraid to move freely within the school walls and cautiously enter loosely supervised areas such as the restrooms, cafeteria, and playground areas.  Lunch is a prime time for bullying.  Loneliness, isolation, and alienation are negative aspects that can be identified as consequences of bullying in school.

None of us enjoys feeling like the outsider or being the recipient of taunting, name-calling, or isolation. These acts causes the victim to internalize negative feelings and possibly become fearful or angry.  Eventually, this fear and anger can lead to retaliation, which may prompt the victim to harass or intimidate other children. Unfortunately, the consequences of bullying have the potential to last well beyond the mean spirited-acts.  Conscious intervention by adults can decrease the negative effects and consequences of bullying in schools. 

It is important that school personnel diligently work to create a caring learning environment for all students in order to minimize the consequences of bullying in schools.