Many think that physical bullying is the least harmful form of bullying because it is pretty obvious to spot and because physical wounds heal. This is true, but it is the wrong way to think...physical bullying also leaves emotional scars behind in the victim’s mind and heart that usually take
much longer to heal, if ever.
Physical bullying has many effects:
- On the bully: Often, the bully’s socialization skills are deficient when he becomes an adult because of his past. There are many difficulties the bully might encounter later in life, such as anger issues or a serious need of attention. Bullies might feel pride and superiority on the spot due to their power, but having to bully people to feel this way is a serious self-esteem dilemma.
- On the victim: On top of physically scarring the victim, the bully also emotionally scars him and makes him feel uneasy. Victims can develop chest pains, stomach aches, headaches and acne due to the continuous feelings of anxiety regarding the bullying. Many are too frightened to tell their parents or their peers about the situation for fear that the bully might find out and hurt them even more than usual. This causes even higher anxiety, resulting in a serious loss of sleep and appetite, sudden ‘panic attacks’, a lack of trust and uncertainty. Other victims may react with responding violent behaviour to protect themselves and to be left alone. This may result in anger issues. All of these effects are due to the constant stress of feeling pinned by the bully. Some can become very sensitive and start having suicidal thoughts. They don’t want to continue living in this shame and terror. Reactions can be unpredictable, but emotional scars aren’t.
- On the parents: Unfortunately, many schools don’t know how to cope very well and this usually frustrates parents who feel powerless to change the situation. These parents might feel bullied themselves.
Here are some videos that we find interesting on the effects of physical bullying:
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