According to Medical Xpress:
The negative social, physical and mental health effects of childhood bullying are still evident nearly 40 years later, according to new research by King's College London. The study is the first to look at the effects of bullying beyond early adulthood, and is published in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
(Score: 4, Informative) by Bytram on Saturday April 19 2014, @12:55PM
bradley13 wrote:
The point is that there is now scientific evidence that there are long-term repercussions. It suggests that an active effort to combat bullying is warranted. From TFA:
In other words, ignoring bullying is not a viable option; that educators (among others) should no longer tolerate bullying; that intervention is not just a good idea, but is indeed important to the long-term health of the victim.
I know that anecdote is not the singular of data. Bullying was prevalent in my area growing up. I was often the victim of bullying and sadly must confess that on a few occasions I bullied others. It has taken me considerable assistance, introspection, and effort to overcome the worst of those effects. I know better now and strive to be mindful of the impact my words and actions can have upon others.
I would posit that the behavior of bullies does not stop in childhood, either. Witness, for example, reports of parents who go ballistic at their child's sporting events. I suspect the inaction of non-participants needs to change as well. Think, too, of the impact of having bullies assume positions of power whether it be in politics or in corporate governance.
I have no simple solution, but can hope that by calling attention to the long-lasting, adverse effects of such behavior, our collective society might become less tolerant of bullying, more supportive of the bullied. As we age and lose our vim and vigor, all of us may well be in a position where we are unable to defend ourselves from abusive behavior. I fear that little change may come of this, but can hope for the change nonetheless and in my own small way in my little part of the world, do what I can to encourage that change.