Therefore, this is a complex cycle that is not easy to study and understand. While bullying can lead to psychological problems, kids who have mental health concerns to begin with are also more likely to be bullied. Kids who have been cyberbullied reported higher levels of depression and thoughts of suicide, as well as greater emotional distress, hostility, and delinquency compared with peers who were not. 2Ĭyberbullying has also been linked to psychological problems. For example, an assistant may physically restrain or block the target of bullying so that they cannot get away. Assistants help the individual doing the bullying and join in.Reinforcers support the youth who bullies or bullying behavior 1Īnd may laugh, encourage, or cheer during or after the bullying incident.Or extend support to the person being bullied – privately or in the moment – or take other actions to address the bullying. Defenders help by intervening when bullying occurs 1.Outsiders witness the bullying situation, but stay out of it and do not get involved.3īystanders can play different roles in bullying situations: Sometimes adolescents and young adults who witness bullying are not sure what their role is and or what they can do to address bullying. When bystanders to bullying intervene, bullying stops within 10 seconds 57 percent of the time. When youth who are bullied are defended and supported by their peers, they are less anxious and depressed. 1Ī bystander has the potential to make a positive difference in a bullying situation, particularly for the youth who is being bullied. When bullying occurs, bystanders are present 80 percent of the time. A bystander to bullying is anyone who witnesses bullying either in person or in digital forms like social media, websites, text messages, gaming, and apps.
When it comes to prevention many people can take an active role to intervene – especially bystanders. Prevention in Extra-Curricular Activitiesīullying can have significant mental, developmental, and social effects, which is why it is a public health concern.Race, Ethnicity, National Origin & Religion.