Outcomes and long-term effects

Outcomes and Long-term Effects

Effects

It has been shown that fear-related problems often interfere with a child's normal functioning. Disasters and terror can adversely affect even children who have been functioning on a high level in the areas of control, self-worth, and security (Figley & McChubbin, 1983; Terr, 1981; and Trautman, 1987 as cited in Robinson & Rotter, 1991).

Childhood fears can serve a positive function to protect and motivate children or they can inhibit or debilitate. Morris & Kratochwill (as cited in Robinson & Rotter, 1991) estimate that four percent to 8 percent of all children in the United States will be treated for fear-related disorders. In the United States the numbers of untreated children are often as much as two times those of the treated population (Robinson & Rotter).

Aggression

A victim-bully cycle has been defined as the natural result of exposure to aggression (NEA, 2002).

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) (2001) reports that when a child's sense of safety has been violated, the child's sense of personal power has been taken away.

Aggression is a natural response by the child to regain control and to alleviate fear, anger or pain. In addition, there are many adults who encourage their children to "fight back" in response to aggression


Risky Behaviors

Adolescents who are effected by the bullying experience are more likely to become involved in risky behaviors including violence, drug and alcohol use, early sexual activity, poor academic achievement, dropping out of school, gang activity and other delinquent behavior. As adults, these same adolescents are more likely to have criminal records, be abusive to their children and spouses, commit acts of violence at work and other places, abuse drugs, and be unable to hold down jobs or sustain marriages (Fried & Fried, 1996; Olweus, 2000; Papazian, 2000).

Suicide and Violence

Suicide is the ultimate result of hopelessness, despair, and feelings of isolation from repeated exposure to violence (Ascher, 1994; Peters, 1985). In addition, any event or situation that causes depression can contribute to an existing sense of frustration, helplessness, and hopelessness.

Teens often feel overwhelmed and try to escape these feelings through the use of drugs, withdrawal and ultimately suicide (Peters, 1985).

The lack of empathy or understanding on the part of the adults in the lives of children contributes to feelings of isolation and helplessness (Gerler, 1991). The more isolated an adolescent becomes the more likely that child is to struggle with depression, hopelessness, and despair.

Peer aggression, by its very nature generates isolation. In fact, social isolation is one of the more subtle yet effective methods of peer aggression (Simmons, 2002). Peers don't want to lose status by becoming identified with the victim of peer aggression nor do they want to become a victim of abuse either, so they will avoid the child who has been selected to be a victim. In addition, the victim may resort to social isolation as the only viable option of protection (Banks, 1997; Crick, 2002; Peters, 1985; and Simmons, 2002).

School Performance

It is easy to see why children how are vicitms of bullying have falling/failing grades, poor attendance and other kinds of issues with school success.