What are the effects of bullying on a child?

Surveys approximate that half of all young people experience some form of bullying during their school career. Bullying is especially acute for the 12-15 age range and there has been a rapid growth in what is becoming known as cyber-bullying. Through the Internet & mobile phones, bullies are able to reach their victims wherever they are, 24 hours a day.

Persistent bullying can result in depression, low self esteem, shyness, below-expected achievement, isolation, threatened or even attempted suicide. In the UK it is reported that up to 16 children per year actually commit suicide because they are being bullied. In 2005, more than 20,000 calls to Childline by children and young people related to bulling (more than any other subject). Research shows that when everyone involved in school takes a strong stand against bullying, it is far less common.

A survey by the NSPCC in February 2004 revealed that 34% of 11-16 year olds always worried about something and of these, nearly half had a fear of bullying.

Victims of bullying are usually picked on because they are different in some way from other children. These differences could include looks, race, or disability and are often aspects about themselves that the victim cannot change.

Often children are reluctant to tell about incidents of bullying. This makes them victims of emotional blackmail, because they think it is likely to make the situation worse or they believe that nothing will be done about it.