EFFECTS OF BULLYING ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF STUDENTS 1

How Bullying Has Affected the Mental Health of High School Students

Madison Burke

Independence High School

English 12 DE

Mr. Flake

April 22, 2021

Abstract

Bullying (the act of harming another person physically, socially, emotionally, or through

technological resources to gain a sense of superiority) is not an uncommon occurrence amongst

teenagers in high school. As a direct result of bullying, research has shown that it has a direct

correlation in negatively impacting a student's mental health. Those who are a part of the

“bullying cycle” (victims, bullies, and bystanders) are more subject to developing mental health

problems in comparison to those who are not. Mental illnesses like depression and anxiety are

high among those who are a part of this cycle, resulting in many indulging in riskier activities

(like substance abuse or self-harm), and additionally, are more at risk of developing long-term

psychological and mental effects. With bullying prevalent in high schools today and the increase

of online usage, looking at ways to prevent bullying is becoming increasingly important.

Research has shown that getting involved in community activities, having a stable school and

home environment, and creating awareness at a young age will decrease the chances of those

students becoming a part of the cycle. The paper concludes that those a part of the “bullying

cycle” are more likely to develop mental health and psychological effects, ultimately putting

these students at risk of getting involved in riskier behaviors and experiencing long-term effects;

so it is important to begin to establish anti-bullying mindsets into children at a young age.

Keywords: bullying, mental health, psychological effects, long-term effects, riskier

activities, “bullying cycle”

Introduction

“One in five high school students reported being bullied on school property in 2017.”

(Preventing Bullying 2018). This statistic is no shock, as bullying in high schools have been

going on for decades. Student researcher for Elon University at the School of Communications,

Richard Donegan, describes bullying as “In its most basic sense, bullying involves two people, a

bully or intimidator and a victim. The bully abuses the victim through physical, verbal, or other

means in order to gain a sense of superiority and power. These actions may be direct (i.e. hitting,

verbally assaulting face-to-face, etc.) or indirect (i.e. rumors, gossip, etc.)” (Donegan, 2012).

Bullying can be further divided into different categories based on the behavior that is presented.

Three of the most common types of bullying that can occur are physical (kicking, punching,

hitting etc.), social (spreading rumors or excluding others), and emotional (name calling, teasing,

verbal threats) bullying (Preventing Bullying 2018). All of these specific types of bullying most

often are in-person encounters.

However, within the rise of technology usage in the past couple of decades, a new form

of bullying has developed amongst young adolescents: cyberbullying. Students are now easily

able to turn to their phones and computers to bully one another through various ways, like social

media platforms. Donegan (2012) stated, “the distancing effect that technological divides have

on today’s youth often leads them to say and do crueler things compared to what is typical and

traditional face-to-face bullying.”It is necessary to acknowledge the increase of technology usage

amongst tennagers and how it has a direct correlation to bullying and surges of mental health

issues being seen. Bullying among high school students has ultimately led to those who are

affected by it to be more at risk for mental health and psychological effects. Thus, the act of

bullying that occurs in high school fundamentally causes those who are involved to develop a
EFFECTS OF BULLYING ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF STUDENTS 4

higher chance of their mental health to be affected, which can result in changes of behavior, and

one to experience long-term psychological and social effects. Additionally, it is important to

assess this issue and look at ways that would help prevent this widespread issue from continuing

to occur.

The Effect of Bullying on the Mental Health of Students Involved

Those who are involved in bullying, either directly or indirectly, are more subject to

developing mental health problems. “Bullying victims, bullies, and people in the bullying cycle

have higher depressive symptoms, lower self-esteem, and higher suicide tendencies than

non-victims, non-bullies, and people not involved in the bullying cycle” (Hesap, 1970). The

development of these psychological issues solely due to bullying shows that mental health

problems are more likely to occur if bullying takes place. Disorders like depression and anxiety

are common among those involved. For instance, a study has reported that young adolescents

who were consistently involved in bullying behavior reported higher levels of depression than

those who were not as often as involved (Depression High Among Youth Victims of School Cyber

Bullying, NIH Researchers Report 2010). This study was able to show a clear correlation

between the mental health of students in regards to bullying and how it has negatively impacted

them. Victims of bullying have often felt more lonely and start to have feelings of wanting to

avoid school (Board, 2019). With these feelings appearing, suicidal thoughts or tendencies can

begin to increase, which is another mental health effect of being in the bully cycle (Hesap, 1970).

It is evident that students, regardless of being the victim or the aggressor, are more likely to

develop mental health and psychological issues.

Bystanders, who are also included in the “bullying cycle” are subject to developing

mental health issues as well, although they are not directly involved. It has been examined that
EFFECTS OF BULLYING ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF STUDENTS 5

those who witness bullying in schools are more at risk of experiencing anxiety, depression, and

increased stress (Board, 2019). Bystanders may often go unnoticed when bullying occurs

because they are indirectly involved in the situation, so it is important to acknowledge that the

mental health of these students is being negatively impacted as much as the victims of bullies.

Research has shown that witnesses may develop the same psychological effects as bullies

themselves, like substance abuse (Rivers, Noret, Poteat, & Ashurst, 2009). This is likely caused

because bystanders have to unwillingly watch the bullying occur leaving them with possible

increases of paranoia and anxiety due to the feeling that they are a part of the problem, or soon

will be (Rivers, Noret, Poteat, & Ashurst, 2009). Additionally, when bystanders fail to intervene

and disrupt the bullying it can cause cognitive dissonance to occur, potentially leading to

students to indulge in more reckless behavior (Rivers, Noret, Poteat, & Ashurst, 2009). This is

not shocking as bystanders are seeing disturbing acts of emotional and physical behavior,

causing the brain to develop unhealthy habits and mental issues to cope with the distress it can

cause.

Association of Bullying and Riskier Behaviors in Adolescents

Due to the mental health of students being affected by bullying, it can result in not only

their academic achievements diminishing but additionally the possibility of practicing more risky

behaviors. “Current findings reveal alarming relationships between bullying and risk-taking

behaviors that suggest bullying is associated with a large portion of substance use, self-harm, and

weapons seen in high school students.” (AE. Barry et al., 1970). Due to the mental toll and

psychological effects that bullying had on its victims at the high school level, it has shown a

clear association between bullying and indulging in riskier behaviors. Additionally, a study in

2012 was conducted to examine the substance abuse of high school students and how it is related
EFFECTS OF BULLYING ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF STUDENTS 6

to bullying. The researchers were able to establish a positive correlation between bullying and

the use of substances (cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana) in young adolescents that are in high

school, compared to students not involved in bullying who were reported to less likely to not use

any harmful substances (Radliff, Wheaton, Robinson, & Morris, 2012). This study shows that

due to the cause of bullying in high schools, those who fall victim have developed more

psychological and mental disorders and have a higher risk of becoming associated with riskier

behaviors, like substance abuse. These behaviors are a direct result of teenagers’ (who have been

involved with the act of bullying) mental health suffering and looking for a way to cope.

Long-Term Effects of Bullying Experienced in Childhood

Undergoing bullying within childhood can also be attributed to experiencing long-term

effects on mental health. “Studies indicate that young victims of bullying have higher rates of

agoraphobia, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and suicidality in their early to mid-20s,

compared to those who have not been bullied in childhood” (Arseneault, 2017). People who were

bullied in their childhood are more likely to experience psychological issues compared to those

who were not, and as a result, it can show the clear impact that bullying can have on one’s

mental health. Additionally, children who were consistently being bullied have been recorded to

report increased levels of psychological distress in their mid-twenties, but more importantly in

their fifties (Arseneault, 2017). With scientific research showing that these mental health issues

can be apparent up to the age of fifty, it is able to convey that experiencing bullying within one’s

childhood can lead to long-term mental health affects. Additionally, childhood victims of

bullying have been reported to have more trouble building relationships with others, having

unhealthy health, and experiencing financial hardships (Arseneault, 2017). The toll that these

mental disorders have on these children can affect the ability to form healthy relationships and
EFFECTS OF BULLYING ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF STUDENTS 7

with other people and themselves. The impact that bullying can have on children can ultimately

cause long-term effects on one’s mental, physical, and socio-economic wealth.

Ways to Help Prevent Bullying

To address the issue of bullying in high schools, it is important to look at how it can be

further prevented. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that

to prevent violence from occurring in the youth, it is important to intervene in early childhood

and work towards building strong, healthy relationships in and out of school (Preventing

Bullying 2018). By doing this, it would help children understand their feelings better and how

they can cope with feelings of anger and violence. Promoting healthy family environments and

providing quality education for children in early life are some of the few ways to help prevent

bullying from occurring in the future (Preventing Bullying 2018). Additionally, the CDC

recommends that it is important to get the youth involved in community activities and to have

strong bonds with caring adults. This could be done by implementing and getting them involved

in mentoring programs or after-school programs (Preventing Bullying 2018). Although,

depending on the child, these factors may not help reduce the violent behaviors shown, so taking

them to a treatment center could be useful (Preventing Bullying 2018). It could help to prevent

exposure to any explicit or triggering factors that may bring those aggressive behaviors from

appearing.

Conclusion

Bullying in high schools can impact the mental health of those involved significantly.

Students in the “bullying cycle” are more likely to develop mental health disorders and

psychological issues in comparison to those who aren’t. The mental health of those can be

impacted to the point where riskier behaviors can begin to occur. Additionally, the impact of
EFFECTS OF BULLYING ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF STUDENTS 8

experiencing bullying within childhood can cause long-term mental health effects. It is important

to acknowledge that bullying is still a big issue within society, especially high schools, today and

that working towards ways to help prevent the issue from occurring is increasingly necessary.
EFFECTS OF BULLYING ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF STUDENTS 9

References

AE. Barry, B. C., J. Briere, E. G., J. Cooper, N. K., D. Cornell, F. H., J. Dake, J. P., Esselmont,

C., … LR. Topper, N. C.-R. (1970, January 1). Connection Between Experiences of

Bullying and Risky Behaviors in Middle and High School Students. School Mental

Health. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12310-016-9194-z.

Arseneault, L. (2017, February). The long-term impact of bullying victimization on mental

health. World psychiatry : official journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA).

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5269482/.

Board, B. S. B. E. (2019, November 25). Effects of Bullying on Mental Health.

StopBullying.gov.

https://www.stopbullying.gov/blog/2019/10/25/effects-bullying-mental-health.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Preventing Bullying.

https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/bullying-factsheet508.pdf.

Donegan, R. (2012). Bullying and Cyberbullying: History, Statistics, Law, Prevention and

Analysis. Bullying and Cyberbullying - Elon University.

https://www.elon.edu/u/academics/communications/journal/wp-content/uploads/sites/153

/2017/06/04DoneganEJSpring12.pdf.

Hesap, S. T. (1970, January 1). Bullying in schools and its relation with depressive symptoms,

self-esteem, and suicidal ideation in adolescents. Anatolian Journal of Psychiatry.

https://www.anadolupsikiyatri.net/index.php?mno=268900.
EFFECTS OF BULLYING ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF STUDENTS 10

Radliff, K. M., Wheaton, J. E., Robinson, K., & Morris, J. (2012, January 11). Illuminating

the relationship between bullying and substance use among middle and high school

youth. Addictive Behaviors.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306460312000020.

Rivers, I., Poteat, P., Noret, N., & Ashurst, N. (2009). Observing Bullying at School: The Mental

Health Implications of Witness Status. American Psychological Association.

https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/spq-24-4-211.pdf.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2010, September 21). Depression High Among

Youth Victims of School Cyber Bullying, NIH Researchers Report. Eunice Kennedy

Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

https://www.nichd.nih.gov/newsroom/releases/092110-cyber-bullying.
EFFECTS OF BULLYING ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF STUDENTS 11

Annotated Bibliography

AE. Barry, B. C., J. Briere, E. G., J. Cooper, N. K., D. Cornell, F. H., J. Dake, J. P., Esselmont,

C., … LR. Topper, N. C.-R. (1970, January 1). Connection Between Experiences of

Bullying and Risky Behaviors in Middle and High School Students. School Mental

Health. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12310-016-9194-z.

The abstract of this article describes a study conducted on students in sixth through

twelfth grade on how bullying can impact the behavior of students. It resulted in showing that

students who were bullied reported higher levels of risky behavior like bringing a weapon to

school, self-harm, and substance abuse. These levels of behavior were also found to put these

students at risk for long-term negative psychological effects. This article would be useful in

providing a description and statistics of a research study conducted to show the effects that

bullying has on students in high school and what damage it can cause to their mental health.

Arseneault, L. (2017, February). The long-term impact of bullying victimization on mental

health. World psychiatry : official journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA).

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5269482/.

This article focuses on the long-term impact of people's mental health after being victims

of bullying in their childhood. It discusses findings on how people who were the victims of

bullying at a young age are more likely to experience mental health problems (depression,

anxiety, agoraphobia, suicidality) in their early 20s. These results indicate that experience

bullying does have an overall long-lasting impact. This would be useful to use for research as it

comes from a credible source, the World Psychiatric Association, and discusses the impacts that

bullying does have on children and how it can impact them later on in their life.
EFFECTS OF BULLYING ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF STUDENTS 12

Board, B. S. B. E. (2019, November 25). Effects of Bullying on Mental Health.

StopBullying.gov.

https://www.stopbullying.gov/blog/2019/10/25/effects-bullying-mental-health.

This article uses a study to examine the effects that bullying has on children and their

mental health. Furthermore, it discusses how those who do the bullying and those who witness it

are impacted, which is important. Mentioning the bystanders mental health, those who bully, and

the victim's mental health is important to fully understand the effect that bullying does have on

everyone involved as there are many different parts to it. This article is useful in the fact that it is

able to summarize research founded by a published study to simplify the findings and discuss the

overall effect that bullying does have on children’s mental health.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Preventing Bullying.

https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/bullying-factsheet508.pdf.

This PDF document was created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC) to outline what bullying is, the most common types that are experienced, and provide

statistical facts. Additionally, it discusses the consequences that bullying can have on mental

health, specifically the effects on students. It states that bullying can result in students developing

depression, anxiety, trouble sleeping, and risk the possibility of lower academic achievement.

Using the PDF would be helpful for research purposes as it provides information about the

overall effects that bullying does have on children. It also provides information on how to work

towards preventing bullying from children on occuring which could be useful in discussing how

to work towards ending this issue.

Donegan, R. (2012). Bullying and Cyberbullying: History, Statistics, Law, Prevention and

Analysis. Bullying and Cyberbullying - Elon University.

https://www.elon.edu/u/academics/communications/journal/wp-content/uploads/sites/153

/2017/06/04DoneganEJSpring12.pdf.

Richard Donegan conducted research focusing on the history and specific analysis on

bullying and the rise of cyberbullying with the adaptation of technology. The paper is able to

discuss the studies of research, case studies, law cases, and news to examine bullying and

cyberbullying on a more complex level. Donegan is able to fully analyze these issues and

provide new steps and solutions that should be taken to prevent bullying from occurring. This

research paper would be helpful as it is able to provide the history behind bullying and the

evolution behind it, which is important to understand the concept of bullying even further.

Additionally, it will help to write about what efforts could be done to solve the issue of bullying.

Hesap, S. T. (1970, January 1). Bullying in schools and its relation with depressive symptoms,

self-esteem, and suicidal ideation in adolescents. Anatolian Journal of Psychiatry.

https://www.anadolupsikiyatri.net/index.php?mno=268900.

This research study is about how bullying has been associated with the development of

psychiatric disorders in secondary students in Turkey. The research concluded that bullies and

victims of bullying ultimately have an increased risk of having depressive symptoms, lower

self-esteem, and are more at risk to have suicidal tendencies compared to those who do not bully

and do not fall victim to it. This article would be useful as it is able to use research studies to

imply the idea that bullying does have an impact on students' mental health and that there is a

connection there.
EFFECTS OF BULLYING ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF STUDENTS 14

Radliff, K. M., Wheaton, J. E., Robinson, K., & Morris, J. (2012, January 11). Illuminating

the relationship between bullying and substance use among middle and high school

youth. Addictive Behaviors.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306460312000020.

This research journal is about how bullying has led to an increase of substance use in

middle and high school students. It discusses the research methodology used to examine the

connection between bullying and the use of substances like alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana.

The researchers were able to conclude that children who were involved in bullying were more

subject to the use of substance abuse and riskier behaviors. This would be helpful to use for

research as it shows the connection that bullying has to children and their mental health as it

causes them to lean to the use of substances.

Rivers, I., Poteat, P., Noret, N., & Ashurst, N. (2009). Observing Bullying at School: The Mental

Health Implications of Witness Status. American Psychological Association.

https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/spq-24-4-211.pdf.

This journal article is about the effect of bullying on the bystanders' mental health. It

found that those who fell to witness acts of bullying were subject to mental health risks,

potentially even more than those who are bullies or are victims of bullying. This article would be

useful as it discusses a part of the bullying circle that is not directly involved. Being a witness to

bullying can have severe effects and this article will be helpful in conveying that with the use of

statistics and research based findings.

Türkmen, D. N., Dokgöz, M. H., Akgöz, S. S., Eren, B. N. B., Vural, H. P., & Polat, H. O. (2013,

June). Bullying among High School Students.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3865123/.

This article depicts a research study performed in Turkey investigating how bullying can

impact students ages 14-17. The study focuses on evaluating bullying behavior, how it has

impacted the victims, and where the bullying occurs. It goes into depth on how different types of

bullying, physical and social, impact students and what common behaviors these students go

through. The article concluded that in order to prevent bullying to occur many parties must get

involved to effectively prevent the occurence of physical and violent use of bullying used against

students. This article would be useful in providing statistical data and research on the types of

bullying, who is more likely to get bullied, and the overall impact that it has on these students.

Overall, this article helps to better understand the statistical significance of who is more likely to

undergo bullying and what effects it has on those particular students.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2010, September 21). Depression High Among

Youth Victims of School Cyber Bullying, NIH Researchers Report. Eunice Kennedy

Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

https://www.nichd.nih.gov/newsroom/releases/092110-cyber-bullying.

This article is able to discuss research done, specifically on cyberbullying and the effects

it has on the youth. It was concluded that cyberbullying ultimately leads to a greater increase of

developing depression, interfere with academic achievements, social skills, and overall a

decrease in well-being. This article is useful in the fact that it focuses on a more in depth study

on cyberbullying as that is one of the most prevalent forms of bullying in today's age with the
EFFECTS OF BULLYING ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF STUDENTS 16

overwhelming amount of technology in society. So, by using this article it would be helpful to

use facts and research supported statistics to show the effect of cyberbullying on children’s

mental health.