With more than one in five young people in the UK saying they have benn bullied, we need to understand what affect this can have on our children (Horton, 2017). Studies have found a link between bullying and a higher risk of metal health problems during childhood, such as low self- esteem, poor school perfomance, depression and an increased risk for suicide (Nierenberg, 2015). If bullying is not responded to it can lead to children developing coping strategies such as self-isolation or self-harm which in turn will damage their mental health and well being further (Anti Bullying alliance, 2016). To combat this school need to create safe environments with understanding practitioners who the children feel comfortable to talk about bullying with, and how it affects their emotional well being.
In addition to this children who are bullies themselves are at increased risk of academic problems, ill mental health and violence to others later in life (Smokowski & Kopasz, 2015). Disruptive, unkind and erratic behaviour can be an expression of difficulties or distress. As practitioners we need to question why is this child presenting with these behaviours and try to build an honest dialogue with this child to reduce the risk of ill mental health and well being (Anti Bullying Alliance, 2016).
Further information:
A guide on bullying and mental health for teachers, this guide can help you to understand the causes of bullying further, along with the impact of it.
https://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/sites/default/files/field/attachment/Mental-health-and-bullying-module-FINAL.pdf
bullying