What Are the Mental Health Consequences of Bullying?

Bullying should never be considered a part of of growing up. It is a serious issue, with far-reaching consequences for youth, their families, peers, and the community.

Many children, unfortunately, have a very good idea of what bullying is: 1 in 5 Ontario students reported being bullied at school, according to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Some of these students experience bullying every single day.

There are many ways that young people bully each otherincluding: punching, shoving, other acts that can hurt physically, as well as spreading rumours, keeping certain people out of a group, and teasing.

What are the mental health consequences of bullying?

Bullying hurts. It can make children feel lonely, unsafe, and scared. It can make them lose confidence and avoid attending school altogether. Bullying can have a wide range of both short-term and long-term physical and psychological consequences.

Some examples include:

• Withdrawal from family and school activities
• Social anxiety
• Loneliness
• Stomach aches
• Physical illness
• Low self-esteem
• Headaches
• Nightmares
• Exhaustion
• Insomnia

Bullying has affected children for generations, but we have only recently started to understand the far-reaching mental health effects it can have. Research suggests that children and youth who are bullied are more likely to experience emotional, behavioura and relationship problems, such as: depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem. Children who have been bullied are nearly 40 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with mental health issues as teenagers according to research from the University of Alberta and Dalhousie University.

Everyone suffers when bullying occurs, and everyone can help to prevent it. In 85% of cases, bullying takes place in front of witnesses. By preventing bullying, we can help to ensure that all students have healthy, safe, respectful, and caring relationships in their lives.

If you or someone you know, is experiencing bullying and need help, please contact:

• Kids Help Phone 1-(800)-668-6868 or
• Bullying Canada 1 (877) 352-4497