Teen Bullying and Mental Health
Bullying among teenagers has long been a major issue. Studies show that as many as 1 in 3 teens report being bullied.
We've always known that bullying has the potential to cause harm, but now we know bullying can hurt mental health more than we thought. Teen bullying is strongly connected to conditions like anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

Table Of Content
- The Devastating Effects of Bullying
- Bullying and the Link to Mental Health: What You Need to Know
- Important Research: The Link Between Bullying and Suicide Attempts
- Do You Want Solutions to Bullying? Perspective Through Awareness
The Devastating Effects of Bullying
Bullying comes in many forms:
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physical
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verbal
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relational/social - and can range from threats and intimidation to harassment and assault
Boys tend to experience more physical bullying. Girls report more verbal and social bullying. This includes spreading rumors and excluding peers. No matter the type, bullying causes significant stress and trauma. Victims often feel lonely, worthless, and afraid. They may skip school due to humiliation and shame. They might also withdraw socially as a result.
Bullies themselves also face more risks, such as:
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substance abuse
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academic problems
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experiencing or perpetrating violence later in life
Bullying leads to lower self-esteem among all youth involved. It also results in higher rates of illness and absences. These effects already endanger students' well-being. But even more concerning are bullying's impacts on mental health.
Bullying and the Link to Mental Health: What You Need to Know
There's a clear connection between bullying and mental health. Bullying is linked to problems such as anxiety and depression. Bullied teens are almost 2 times more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. Feeling left out, embarrassed, and worthless can cause serious psychological pain. Victims often develop anxiety about going to school and interacting with others. Feelings of isolation and hopelessness can spiral into major depression.
Research has revealed the measurable impacts bullying has on the brain. Bullying is linked to smaller brain regions that control fear and anxiety. Bullied youth also show more activity in areas related to social pain and distress. These brain changes make it harder for them to handle stress. It causes more confused thoughts and symptoms.
Bullying trauma can change victims' brain chemistry and hormone levels. This can lead to long-term anxiety and sadness. These are typical of mental health disorders. The disrupted stress response can last for years, even after the bullying stops. Bullied kids show more emotional distress. They have worse coping skills in the long run compared to those who weren't bullied.
Important Research: The Link Between Bullying and Suicide Attempts
Most alarming are the clear links between bullying and suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Studies show that bullying victims are 2 to 9 times more likely to think about or try to commit suicide. LGBTQ youth are at higher risk for bullying and the mental health problems it causes. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual teens are almost 5 times as likely to attempt suicide compared to heterosexual teens.
Verbal bullying targeting sexual orientation raises the risk of suicide for all teens. LGBTQ victims are twice as likely to attempt suicide after such bullying. Bullying increases the chances of suicidal behaviors. Even when considering other factors for suicide risk. The suicide rate is going up among 10-14-year-olds. This happens most during middle school, which is when bullying peaks. These striking statistics show the severity of bullying's effects on mental health.
Do You Want Solutions to Bullying? Perspective Through Awareness
Bullying isn't a new problem. Yet, only recently has research confirmed its strong links to mental illness. Evidence now links bullying to lasting neurological changes, anxiety, depression, and suicide. Implementing comprehensive interventions is vital for protecting teens' mental health.
Schools should have strict anti-bullying policies. These policies should include education, reporting procedures, and counseling support. Peers, parents, and teachers must help identify at-risk victims early. Offering counseling and mental health services helps bullied youth:
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deal with trauma
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handle social pressures
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build resilience against bullying's effects
Having access to treatment can be lifesaving. Especially for teens already experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts due to bullying.
Raising awareness of bullying's mental health impacts is important. It encourages victims and families to seek help instead of struggling in silence. Speaking out helps prevent bullying. And it creates a culture where it's not accepted anymore. Bullying threatens the safety and well-being of everyone involved. By recognizing its strong ties to mental illness, we can put effective solutions in place. We can break this cycle for good. Our teens deserve safe environments where they can learn and feel accepted. They also deserve the care necessary to face life's challenges in healthy ways.
References:
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Meta-analysis of the relationship between bullying and depressive symptoms in children and adolescents - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10061722/#:~:text=The%20results%20of%20the%20meta,the%20risk%20of%20depression%20in
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Can Someone Develop PTSD From Bullying - https://www.choosingtherapy.com/ptsd-from-bullying/#:~:text=Bullying%20is%20a%20traumatic%20event,effects%20on%20their%20mental%20health
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How Does Bullying Affect Mental Health? - https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/how-does-bullying-affect-mental-health
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Bullying and Adolescent Mental Health: What Caregivers Need To Know - https://www.inspirahealthnetwork.org/news/bullying-and-adolescent-mental-health-what-caregivers-need-know