[5 min read]
In this article:
- According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bullying is common, with one in five high school students reporting being bullied on school property in the past year.
- It's not just kids. A 2024 Workplace Bullying Institute poll found that 32% of respondents experienced abusive conduct at work, either currently or at some time in their work life.
- Bullying prevention is critical. Victims and bystanders learn ways to stand up against it and enhance interpersonal skills like empathy and conflict management.
- Learn more from a Providence Swedish behavioral health expert.
For too long bullying was an accepted part of kids' expereince. The associated teasing, joking, and sometimes hitting were kidstuff. We know better today. Bullying is abuse and can have profound long-term effects on victims, often leading to emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem that can persist into adulthood. It can even be fatal. The impact of bullying is not just immediate; it can alter a person's self-perception and social interactions for years.
To learn ways to identify and stop bullying, whether it's in the classroom or the office, we spoke with Janarthan Sivaratnam, Ph.D, a psychologist with Providence Swedish South Lake Union Primary Care, who offered insights into the effects bullying, crucial strategies for stopping it and the best ways to support those affected by bullying.
What constitutes bullying? How do we distinguish between bullying and teasing or arguing?
Bullying is a repeated and intentional act of aggression, intimidation, or harm directed at someone who is less powerful—either physically, socially, or emotionally. What makes bullying unique from typical teasing or arguing is the presence of a power imbalance, the repetitive nature of the behavior, and the intention to cause harm or distress. Bullying can take many forms, including physical aggression, verbal abuse, social exclusion, or cyberbullying.
Teasing, by contrast, is often (though not always) mutual and playful, especially when both people are laughing and no one feels threatened or singled out. It becomes problematic—and potentially bullying—when it is one-sided, ongoing, and causes emotional pain. Arguing, meanwhile, usually involves a disagreement between people of equal power. It may be heated but is typically situational, not personal, and doesn't involve a pattern of targeting or control.
What kinds of bullying are there? Where do they occur?
The main types of bullying are physical, verbal, relational (social), and cyberbullying, and they typically occur in both physical and digital environments, most commonly at school and online.
Physical bullying involves hitting, kicking, or other forms of physical aggression. Verbal bullying includes teasing, name-calling, and threats. Relational (or social) bullying refers to social exclusion, spreading rumors, and damaging someone's social relationships. Cyberbullying is aggressive, repetitive behavior carried out via electronic media such as computers, cell phones, or social platforms.
Bullying most frequently occurs in school settings, including classrooms, hallways, stairwells, cafeterias, and outside on school grounds. Cyberbullying occurs in digital spaces, such as social media, messaging apps, and online gaming platforms. Recent studies have suggested that structured areas like classrooms and hallways are key sites for bullying. Bullying can also occur among siblings at home and in other community settings, but school and online environments are the most commonly reported locations.
Overlap between types is common, with many victims experiencing multiple forms of bullying, which increases the risk of adverse outcomes. The prevalence and patterns of bullying can vary by age, gender, and school context. While bullying is typically associated as “kid behavior,” adults can also be victims and/or perpetrators of bullying.
Are there signs I should look for if I suspect someone I love is being bullied?
Signs that someone is being bullied can vary depending on the type and location of bullying, but common indicators include changes in mood, behavior, physical health, and school performance.
For physical bullying (e.g., hitting, kicking), look for unexplained injuries, damaged belongings, or frequent complaints of physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches. Verbal bullying (e.g., name-calling, teasing) and social bullying (e.g., exclusion, rumor-spreading) may lead to withdrawal from friends, sudden changes in social groups, reluctance or avoidance to go to school, sadness, hopelessness, or signs of anxiety and depression. Cyberbullying can cause similar emotional distress, but may also result in secretive behavior around devices, sudden avoidance of social media, or emotional reactions after using electronics.
Other general warning signs can include:
- Declining grades or loss of interest in school
- Sleep disturbances, fatigue, or changes in appetite
- Self-harm behaviors or talk of suicide, especially with repeated or severe bullying
- Increased irritability, anger, or retaliatory behaviors
- Frequent requests to stay home or avoid certain places or activities
What are some of the effects of bullying?
Mental and emotional health. Victims of all forms of bullying are at increased risk for depression, anxiety, emotional distress, loneliness, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. These risks are especially high for those exposed to both traditional and cyberbullying, with combined exposure leading to even higher odds of depression and suicidality. Effects can persist into adulthood, including increased risk for psychiatric disorders and poor social functioning.
Physical health. Bullying is associated with physical complaints such as headaches, stomachaches, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and poor appetite. These physical symptoms often co-occur with psychological distress and can further impact daily functioning in school and other environments.
Academic and social functioning. Bullying victims often experience lower academic achievement, reduced school engagement, and poorer health-related quality of life. Social bullying and cyberbullying can lead to social withdrawal, isolation, and difficulty forming healthy relationships.
Can you discuss the long-term effects of bullying and how we can deal with them?
Long-term effects include elevated rates of depression, anxiety disorders (such as generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and agoraphobia), suicidality, and substance use disorders. These risks are especially high for those who are both victims and perpetrators ("bully-victims"). Additionally, victims may experience poor subjective health, limit the activities they’re involved in, general social isolation, and economic hardship long after experiencing bullying. For instance, I have had numerous adult patients still recount how early bullying experiences have continued to impact how they view themselves and how much they choose to interact with others, or how they respond to statements made by others.
That being said, it’s not all “doom and gloom” – many studies have suggested that the potential for resilience and reduction in symptoms is there if appropriate support and interventions are provided as early as possible. In terms of how one might consider dealing with bullying, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Early identification and intervention: Screening for bullying and its effects in clinical and school settings is critical.
- Resilience-building: Programs that foster strengths, healing, empowerment, and social-emotional learning (SEL) can mitigate long-term harm.
- School based prevention. Educators and school-based professionals can employ programs and strategies that create a safer school environment and prevent bullying and cyberbullying.
- Ongoing support: Addressing mental health symptoms, promoting positive relationships, and supporting academic and social functioning are essential for recovery and long-term well-being.
Learn more and find a physician or advanced practice clinician (APC)
If you are looking for help managing holiday stress or learning to deal with holiday stress, support is available at Providence Swedish Behavioral Health. Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, you have options. You can also connect virtually with your provider to review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. And with Swedish ExpressCare Virtual you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections, and more. You can use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.
Information for patients and visitors
Related resources
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Need a hand talking to your teen? Here are some tips for navigating roadblocks (and eye rolls).
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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