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Bullying 1
Bullying 1
People who are bullied, which is the victim, are at increased risk for mental health
problems, including depression, anxiety, and problems adjusting to school. When a child
is labeled a “victim,” that can send the message to peers and adults that they are helpless,
can do nothing to change their situation, are kids who will be teased, are easily
manipulated, and need pity. There is nothing easy about being bullied. In fact, it is a
traumatic experience with long-lasting consequences. Bullying victims are impacted
physically, emotionally, socially, and academically. They also are left feeling like there is
no end in sight and no way to escape. Being bullied also can lead to low self-esteem and
increased negative self-talk. Other consequences include isolation from others—
especially peers—a decrease in motivation to complete assignments, and decreased class
participation.
Bully-victim describe someone who is the target of bullying behavior, while a second
definition uses it to describe someone who is both a victim and a bully. In the first
instance, the victim endures a pattern of intimidating, threatening, and humiliating
behavior from a bully or group of bullies. In the second case, she may likewise turn
around and bully others whom she perceives as vulnerable and of a lower status in the
social hierarchy in which victim and bully interact. The fact that some legitimate victims
of bullying go on to bully others contributes significantly to the difficulty of addressing
and resolving the problem of bullying.