Citation

Urbanski J. J. Health Sci. Educ. 2017; 1(1): e101.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, eSciRes Publications)

DOI

10.0000/JHSE.1000e101

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Bullying is a complex behavior that can cause academic and social problems for students and can contribute to a negative school climate. It perpetuates an unhealthy environment for students depriving them of their right to be educated in a setting that is both physically and emotionally safe. If students are afraid to attend school or spend time at school worrying about safety rather than academics, they cannot learn. Olweus (1993) defines bullying as when a student or several students say or do mean or hurtful things to another student who has a hard time defending himself or herself. It may occur in person or through electronic means (cyberbullying). It can be direct in the form of verbal or physical bullying; it can also be indirect behavior such as spreading rumours or excluding someone from a group. Bullying is associated with both short term and long term consequences for the student who bullied, the student who was bullied, and the bystanders who see or know it is happening. These consequences can continue on to adulthood.


Research shows that children who are bullied experience lower self-esteem and higher rates of health problems, depression, loneliness, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. They can also experience withdrawal, aggression, and feelings of rejection. Children who bully others are at a higher risk for alcoholism, substance abuse, antisocial personality disorders, and externalizing problems such as violence and delinquency. Bystanders who observe bullying behavior without intervention may develop a decreased sense of individual responsibility or experience fear of retaliation if they get involved. They may have a heighted sense of anger, helplessness, and even guilt for not taking action.

Language: en