By: Renee Ruffin-Price
For: AL DIA TODAY
When I conducted training sessions with students, parents, and educators, I described the short and long-term consequences for the children/teens who bullied others, for the children/teens who were the targets/victims and for the youth who were former or current victims who then bullied other children/teens who were more vulnerable than them. Some of these children/teens use the hurtful behavior towards others as a way to regain their power.
A July 2022 article summarized five potential consequences for “bully-victims”. Psychological Stress, such as, anxiety, depression, loneliness, or emotional problems including, substance abuse and psychosis. Trouble Fitting In Bully-victims often have a harder time socially than their peers, are less cooperative and less sociable than those around them and are more likely to be avoided by their peers. Emotional Volatility Bully-victims struggle to manage their emotions, control anger, and deal with frustration, they may be bullied over and over again and then inflict pain on others. Aggressive Behavior Because these children have been bullied, they often respond aggressively to stressful situations. Because they live in a heightened sense of awareness, they may be waiting on another person to bully them and might prepare to respond with aggression. Low Self-Esteem Bully-victims experience risk factors that bullies experience as well as the same effects of bullying as other victims. In the article, Erica Laub, a licensed clinical social worker says, “One way to keep this bully-victim cycle from beginning is to have open conversations with your child about bullying and let them know ahead of time what to do if they are ever bullied.” For more detailed insight, check out the article at www.verywellfamily.com/consequences-bully-victims-experience-460511
Article submitted on August 27, 2022, by Renee’ Ruffin-Price, Community Advocate for Children, for the September issue of Al Dia Today