Bullying:

What it does to a child's mental health.

According to the National Children's Bureau (2024)

"Bullying is the repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. It can be verbal, physical or psychological. It can happen online or face to face.Bullying is the repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power.

It can be verbal, physical or psychological. It can happen online or face to face"

Research suggests that Bullying can be potentially damaging and have long-lasting impacts on the mental health of children and young people who experience it. Any one who has been through bullying or parents that have supported their child through it can agree that there are long lasting and damaging affects, which can take years to undo. Poor Mental Health can start at any age and it can and will fluctuate between being great and not great. This is normal.

Impacts on Mental Health

Bullying can lead to social anxiety, social isolation, depression, low self esteem and anxiety which can lead to other Mental health disorders such as overeating and anorexia . Girls experience higher symptoms of depression at age 14 than boys and can increase the risk of depression by 30% (National Children's Bureau, 2024).

Spotting the signs:

As you know, teens don't always open up. It is up to us to spot the signs. Some of those are below:

• Changes in school performance

• Increased isolation

• Changes in behaviour

• signs of injury (self harm)

• Weight changes (gains or losses)

What can you do?

• Listen to your child without commenting.

• Respond without judgment

• Ask your child what support they are wanting

• Refer to a professional if needed/ wanted

In closing

Your response to your child telling you they are being bullied means everything and can change how they communicate with you in the future.

If you or your child needs support or more information please reach out.

You are not alone x

Jodi