Impact of Bullying on Middle Childhood Development
Mental Health Impact
Educational Consequences
Physical Effects
Anxiety
Psychosomatic symptoms
Reduced energy
Altered appetite
Upset stomach
Difficulties sleeping
Headaches
Back pain
Dizziness
Psychotic symptoms
Altered cognitive skills
Depression
Poor health habit formation
Early onset of puberty
Suicidal ideation & behaviour
Self-harm tendencies
Substance misuse
Alcohol misuse
Illegal substances
Panic disorders
Lonlieness
Self-Identity Consequences
Low self-esteem
Reduced self-confidence
Hyperactivity
Feelings of isolation
Altered personality
Difficulties in school
Poor social skills
Risky sexual behaviour
Feeling disconnected from
Family
Friends
Feeling of alienation from peers
Community
Environment
School teachers
Feeling threatened, may result to carrying a weapon for protection
Missed school days
Difficulty focusing
Stress
Disengagement in learning
Lack of participation
Fear of acceptance
Reduced academic achievement
Tobacco use
Could lead to violent or withdrawn behaviour
Disruption in sleep patterns
Sleeping in excess
Inability to sleep
Nightmares
Exhaustion from not sleeping well
Shyness
Inability to contrate and retain new information
Early menstruation amongst females
Affects developmental growth
Experiencing puberty before peers can impact social and emotional wellbeing
Body image disorders
References
Armitage R. (2021). Bullying in children: impact on child health. BMJ paediatrics open, 5(1), e000939. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjpo-2020-000939
BullyingCanada. (n.d.). What is bullying? https://www.bullyingcanada.ca/get-help/
Rapaport, L. (2018). Early puberty in girls tied to bullying in school. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-puberty-bullying-idUSKCN1II2NI
Stopbullying.gov. (n.d.). Effects of Bullying. https://www.stopbullying.gov/bullying/effects
Risky behaviour