Put an end to teen bullying today!

You may remember bullying from your own teen years—name-calling, shoving on the playground, intimidation, or threats. Unfortunately, bullying is just as rampant as ever, and it’s likely that our teens have it even worse than we did. 

With the prevalence of technology and social media in the lives of our children, the ways that bullies are capable of manipulating and damaging their victims have increased tenfold. Some even say that bullying has escalated to all-new heights never seen before.

But just how common is teen bullying these days, and what are the consequences? What should we do for our children if we suspect that something is amiss?

Checking the numbers.

While the frequency of bullying varies widely between studies (due to the particular populations and circumstances within each surveyed group), the average rate across 80 of these studies was 35% for traditional bullying and 15% for cyberbullying.

In other words, roughly one in every three teens between the ages of 12 and 18 will either be bullied or will bully others. 

Long-term effects of bullying.

We’d like to believe that the negative effects of bullying will only persist as long as the bullying itself, but that is far from the case. Sadly, bullying may result in long-term struggles with:

• Chronic depression;
• Post-traumatic stress disorder;
• Anxiety disorders;
• Relationship development;
• Self-harm behaviors, suicidal ideation, and teen suicide;
• Substance abuse;
• Low self-esteem;
• Decreased occupational opportunities.

Teen bullying may drastically change an adolescent’s views on life and on their own identity. These perspectives may result in lasting feelings of hopelessness or a decreased ability to foster trusting relationships with others.

In particular, emotional and psychological bullying is capable of causing even longer-lasting damage than physical bullying, according to Dr. Mark Dombeck of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress (AAETS).

Getting help.

Whether or not we directly see the results of bullying manifest in the lives and behavior of our children, it is our responsibility as parents to do what we can to help. Luckily, research has demonstrated that open communication between parents and their children can help to prevent bullying before it begins or worsens.

If you are the parent of a teen whom you suspect may be a victim of bullying at school or online, we highly recommend that you seek out a professional to work with your teen.

Booking a session.

Bullies may weaponize the internet for their own benefit, but we can also use the web to fight back, stop bullying, and keep our teens safe. 

Instead, act early, talk to your children, and schedule an online life coaching session with one of our Experts as soon as possible. WikiExpert has Online Life Coaches that can help your teen with overcoming bullying. These online sessions make it more accessible for our teens, so don’t wait.