The Lasting Impact of Bullying: Why Healthy Peer Relationships Matter
The Lasting Impact of Bullying:
Why Healthy Peer Relationships Matter!
Bullying is a serious problem that affects people of all ages, but it can be especially damaging during early adolescence. During this period, kids are trying to figure out who they are, how to fit in with their peers, and how to navigate their changing social world. Unfortunately, bullying can profoundly impact their development and long-term well-being.
Let’s take a closer look at the long-term effects of bullying in early adolescence.
Physical health issues and risky behavior
Bullying can lead to increased stress, which can present as physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, sleep difficulties, and even chronic pain. It can also increase the risk of developing chronic illnesses later in life.
Targets of bullying are more likely to develop high blood pressure or cardiovascular problems as adults compared to those who were not bullied.
Children who have been victims of bullying are also more likely to engage in risky behaviors like drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or substance abuse.
Mental health and academic consequences
The mental health impacts of bullying can be just as severe as the physical ones.
People that have been bullied may experience depression, low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness and helplessness, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal thoughts or behaviors, and even academic difficulties like lower grades or poor concentration.
These issues can persist into adulthood if left untreated.
Bullying can also interfere with a young person's ability to concentrate and learn, negatively impacting their academic performance and overall cognitive development.
Inability to trust and connect with others
Those that have been bullied often struggle with forming meaningful relationships due to feelings of mistrust or insecurity caused by their experiences with bullies.
They may also struggle with making friends due to fear of rejection or feeling inferior to other kids their age.
As a result, they may withdraw from social situations altogether or become overly reliant on close family members for emotional support—which can lead to further isolation from peers and difficulty transitioning into adulthood if left unchecked.
The power of positive peer relationships in adolescence
For adolescents and young adults, peers play an integral role in their development.
Adolescence is an important time of growth and development, but it can also be extremely challenging in many ways.
During this time, teenagers navigate their identity, figuring out who they are and who they want to be. A strong network of healthy peer relationships can support teens during this journey.
Solid friendships can also give teens a sense of belonging, which is especially important during this age when they may feel disconnected from their parents or family.
Steps to cultivating healthy peer relationships
Healthy friendships have been linked to higher self-esteem, greater academic success, and increased motivation in school. Supportive friendships can also help to protect teens from engaging in risky behaviors such as substance abuse or sexual activities at too young an age.
Strong peer connections can also help to encourage a greater sense of trust and communication within families, as well as help foster better understanding between adults and teens.
Encouraging teens to build positive peer relationships can benefit them well into adulthood. Making new friends isn’t always easy, but cultivating meaningful relationships with peers begins by taking the following steps:
Being open to making new friends and meeting new people
Being authentic to yourself
Practicing good communication skills
Taking the time to get to know people
Respecting others' opinions and perspectives, even if they differ from your own
Avoiding gossiping or participating in bullying behavior
Seeking out supportive and meaningful relationships rather than superficial ones
Spending time engaging in activities that you enjoy with people who share similar interests
Showing empathy and understanding
Setting healthy boundaries when necessary
Seeking support when you need it
There is no shame in seeking help
Struggling with your mental health as a teenager can be incredibly difficult, but there is no shame in seeking help.
Reaching out for help shows strength, courage, and self-awareness, not weakness.
Teenagers should never feel afraid to seek assistance if they are struggling with their mental health—it can lead to better outcomes, improved overall well-being, and a healthier life.
Teens can benefit from counseling, even if they're not in crisis.
A counselor or therapist can help teenagers develop better problem-solving skills and healthier coping strategies. This kind of help can offer insight into patterns of behavior that may be preventing them from reaching their full potential.
Counseling provides a safe and non-judgmental environment to work through issues and explore different solutions. It's also easy for teens to access counseling online or in person, depending on their individual needs and preferences.
Paper Cranes Counseling is here to help. Our caring and experienced counselors are available to provide individual and family counseling for teens affected by bullying or just struggling to navigate the challenges of adolescence.
We understand that bullying can be a difficult and emotionally draining experience. Our goal is to help teens learn how to cope with their pain in healthy ways while developing the tools they need to build more positive relationships.
We believe each individual has unique needs and challenges, so we strive to provide personalized counseling services tailored to the individual.
Our therapists can help teens identify and manage triggers, explore the impact of bullying on their lives, develop better problem-solving skills, learn effective communication strategies, practice self-care techniques, and better understand themselves and their relationships with others.
Contact us for a free consultation.
Shavonne James, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Therapist and founder of Paper Cranes Counseling, a private group practice connecting wellness seekers with culturally-affirming, holistic, care. They have openings for individuals that are working through matters of identity, interpersonal relationships, and the inner child. Contact them at www.papercranescounseling.com