In a study conducted by the Crime Victims Institute at Sam Houston State University it was discovered, bullying that occurs early in life may have significant repercussions for the victims later in their life? Childhood bullying can lead to general and mental health issues, behavioral problems, eating disorders, smoking, alcohol use, and possible homelessness.
Science Daily reports, “The Long Term Health Consequences of Bullying Victimization,” recommends investing in victim services and effective prevention programs, such as the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, a school based initiative for violence prevention. Programs can help address the immediate trauma, both mental and physical, that victims experience.
“This type of investment may also have the added benefit of reducing the long-term deleterious effects identified in this and other studies, thus reducing the high cost of victimization born by the victims themselves, the health care system and society in general,” Bouffard said.
The study was done over an extended time and still to this day is ongoing. The study began with a select few individuals born between 1980 and 1984. Of those in the group that had been studied it was determined that 19% had fallen victim to repeated bullying. It was discovered that those who had been bullied had higher rates of emotional and mental problems that interfered with their school or work. Those that were of bullied had an increased risk for developing eating disorders, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical victimization or even being homeless.
Bullying these days has been taken to a whole new level with not just physical bullying but cyber bullying as well. Everyone needs to take part in making the behavior not acceptable. Parent’s really need to watch what their kids are doing and find out more information about the group of friends they are hanging out with. For the kids who are going through a living hell everyday they need to be honest with their parents and the staff at school. If you don’t tell anybody what’s going on than no one will know.
I remember someone in high school that was bullied by a bunch of girls and even got beat up, had to go to the hospital. She was terrified to even go back to school. Kids liked her generally and she was an active cheerleader at her school but this group of mean girls did not. After going to the hospital and finally recovering she ended up going back to school. The school set up mediation with the group of girls. They all talked it out and could say whatever they wanted. After the mediation she became friends with the group of girls.
I do believe there is hope. These are the kids of our future and we do need to instill good moral values and self-confidence. We need for kids to think for themselves and not partake in the bullying. Walk away and take away the bullies audience. If you take away their audience then they have no one to perform in front of.
Please join me in the fight against cyberbullying by using the hashtag #callout (The Bully’s Name). I check this almost every day. I will report them if necessary and become a mediator or advocate to try to end the bullying. You can also send me personal emails to asktina4advice@yahoo.com or send me a message on FB.
