Short term vs. long term effects of bullying; how parents can support their kids

Bullying among kids is a serious matter. It cannot be waived off as a school-time experience or a teenage problem. Rather it should be dealt with proper disciplinary actions against the perpetrator and understanding towards the victim.

From stress, anxiety, low performance levels, lack of confidence and self-esteem to multiple health problems, experts believe bullying can have a negative impact on a child's physical and mental health. That said, parents must keep an eye out for the signs and most importantly, know what bullying is.

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There are four types of bullying - all of them dangerous.

Physical bullying comprises a range of aggressive behaviors such as hitting, kicking, spitting, tripping and pushing.

Verbal bullying can consist of teasing, mocking, threatening, shaming, name-calling and harrassing.

Relational bullying includes excluding others from a group, gossiping, silent treatment, starting a rumour, etc..

Cyberbullying is another type of bullying that has come to light in the digital world. It includes harassing people online, on social media, mocking or making fun of someone in a group chat, posting embarrassing images of others online, creating a fake profile to tarnish other people's image, etc.

Also read: Body checking: The subtle sign of body dysmorphia in teens

It is important to understand that bullying can have different effects on the victim. This includes: short and long term effects.

Short term effects of bullying include:

- Poor school performance

- Refusal to go to school

- PTSD symptoms, which can linger on for a long time

- Loneliness and social withdrawal

- Low self-esteem

- Physical illnesses such as stomach ache, headache and general pain in the body, with no medical reasons

If bullying signs are not addressed earlier in life or are left untreated, these may last for longer periods of time, affecting a child's future. Long term effects of bullying therefore include:

- Lower quality of life

- No confidence or self-esteem

- Poor physical and mental health

- Higher chances of being unemployed

- Greater risk of suffering from depression

- More likely to resort to substance use/abuse

The first step to preventing bullying is noticing and recognizing the signs of bullying in your child. Watch out for any changes in your child's behaviour, beware of all the short term red-flags and most importantly, keep communication between you and your kid open at all times.

Never shut them out or invalidate their feelings. Let them know they have your full support without any judgment.

When it comes to helping your child overcome the effects of bullying or protecting them from any more suppression, it is important to approach them with patience and calmness.

Do not hurry them into telling you everything. Give them time, let them decide whether they can trust you and do not feel offended if they hide from you.

Once they open up to you, do not become aggressive or angry yourself. You may scare your child or make things worse for them.

It is important that you tell your kid that it is not their fault they're getting bullied, rather encourage them to stand up against it and be assertive. This does not mean you ask them to hit back. Tell them to address it to a teacher. As parents, you may feel tempted to complain or report the incidents, but it is best to keep a record and witnesses of all the bullying incidents so you have a strong case to make.

Always let your child know you have their back no matter what. Create a safe space at home, where they can tell you all about their daily experiences.