BULLYING AND THE EFFECTS IT HAS ON OUR CHILDREN Assignment

BULLYING AND THE EFFECTS IT HAS ON OUR CHILDREN - Assignment Example Almost one in every five, students in normal classrooms, in one way or the other, experiences bullying, which has detrimental effects and leads those being bullied to take drastic measures, including murder and/or suicide. Bullying has consequences for the children being bullied, those perpetrating the bullying, for the bystanders who watch the bullying happening, and for the entire school climate and culture. Bullying portends both long and short-term damage for the victims (Voors, 2010). They suffer from mental health issues like; low self-esteem, fear, depression, and shame, as well as physical problems like wounds and bruises from the bullying, bed-wetting, disruptions in sleep pattern, and psychosomatic aches. Depression suffered by victims of bullying can both be long term and acute, of which the latter results in the children being constantly withdrawn and sad. Physical symptoms like; upset stomach, headaches, and stomach-aches are also common effects of the vice, while they are also afraid of talking the school bus as they feel they could have to face the bully in a confined space. Victims of bullying also have social difficulties, such as inaccurate social perceptions, isolation, and skills. In addition, they will also suffer within the school setting, especially with regards to school violence, absenteeism, poor performance in academics, poor concentration, and breakdown in inte rconnectedness with the rest of the school. Finally, their social interactions are also affected, as they are more likely to engage in crime, violence, gang membership, and drug abuse (Voors, 2010). The victims suffer problems associated with bullying into their adult life, including posttraumatic psychological disorders and self-destructive behaviour. In addition, they feel anxious and stressed if they have to attend gatherings with their fellow peers. Bullying also has effects on its perpetrators with children who constantly bully others more