Bullying: Types, Lasting Effects, and How to Get Help

Bullying is far more than “kids being kids” or a rite of passage — it’s an intentional, aggressive behavior designed to cause harm. It’s a serious issue that affects millions of people across the world, especially children and teenagers. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 1 in 5 students reports being bullied, and many never feel comfortable speaking up about it.

The reality is that bullying has devastating and long-lasting consequences. It can damage a person’s mental health, erode their self-esteem, and even follow them into adulthood. But the good news is: bullying is preventable. By understanding the different types, learning about its effects, and knowing how to seek or offer help, we can create safer, kinder environments at school, at home, and online.

This guide breaks down the different forms of bullying, explores the psychological, social, and long-term impacts, and shares practical strategies for victims, bullies, and bystanders to make meaningful changes.

The Different Faces of Bullying

Bullying isn’t limited to physical aggression. It shows up in many ways, and each form can be equally damaging. Recognizing these forms is the first step in effectively addressing the problem.

Physical Bullying

This is the most visible form of bullying, involving direct harm to a person’s body or belongings.

Examples: Hitting, kicking, tripping, pushing, or damaging personal items.
Effects: Physical bullying can leave not only bruises and injuries but also deep psychological scars. Victims often live in fear of going to school or social gatherings. For instance, a child who experiences repeated physical bullying may only feel safe again after their school takes decisive action — such as stricter supervision and clear anti-bullying policies.

Verbal Bullying

Verbal bullying uses words as weapons, and its wounds can last just as long as physical harm.

Examples: Name-calling, mocking, insults, threats, or inappropriate sexual remarks.
Effects: Repeated verbal bullying can crush self-esteem, create feelings of worthlessness, and even trigger anxiety or depression. In workplaces, unchecked verbal bullying can poison team morale and productivity, but mediation through HR or counseling can help restore respect and trust.

Social Bullying (Relational Aggression)

Also known as relational bullying, this type targets someone’s social connections or reputation.

Examples: Deliberate exclusion, spreading rumors, manipulating friendships, or public humiliation.
Effects: Victims may feel rejected, isolated, or unwanted. For example, a teenager excluded from social groups may regain confidence through inclusive school activities or peer-support clubs that rebuild their sense of belonging.

Cyberbullying

The digital age has introduced cyberbullying, which often feels relentless because it follows victims everywhere through phones and computers.

Examples: Posting embarrassing photos, sending threatening messages, creating fake profiles, or spreading lies online.
Effects: Victims often feel trapped because online harassment has no physical boundaries. According to the Pew Research Center, about 37% of teens between 12–17 experience cyberbullying. A student facing relentless harassment online, for instance, might find relief in digital counseling services and learn coping skills that help them reclaim control over their online presence.

The Lasting Impact of Bullying

The harm caused by bullying doesn’t disappear when the incident ends. Victims often carry the emotional and psychological weight of their experiences for years.

Psychological Effects

Bullying deeply affects mental health and can cause:

Anxiety and Depression: Constant fear and stress often lead to diagnosed mental health disorders.
Low Self-Esteem: Victims may feel worthless or powerless.
Suicidal Thoughts: In severe cases, bullying can contribute to self-harm or suicidal ideation.

Social and Academic Consequences

Victims don’t just suffer emotionally; their daily lives are also disrupted.

Social Isolation: Many withdraw from friends or activities to avoid further bullying, which only deepens loneliness.
Declining Academic Performance: Stress and fear make it difficult to focus in school. The CDC reports that bullied students are more likely to skip school and underperform academically. In fact, about 41% of bullied students worry it will happen again, keeping them in a cycle of anxiety that interferes with learning.

Long-Term Effects

The scars of bullying can last into adulthood, affecting victims and even the bullies themselves.

For Victims: Difficulty trusting others, chronic mental health struggles, problems forming healthy relationships, and reduced career opportunities.
For Bullies: Research shows that those who bully are at higher risk of substance abuse, academic failure, and experiencing violence later in life.

How to Find and Offer Help

Stopping bullying requires collective responsibility. Victims, bullies, bystanders, parents, and educators all have a role to play. The most important reminder is: no one has to go through it alone.

For Victims: Taking the First Step

If you’re being bullied, reaching out is the bravest and most important thing you can do.

Tell Someone You Trust: Share what’s happening with a parent, teacher, counselor, or close friend.
Document the Incidents: Keep a detailed record of dates, times, and what happened. This evidence is crucial when reporting bullying.
Seek Professional Help: If bullying is impacting your mental health, consider talking to a therapist or counselor. Many schools and workplaces offer free support services.

For Those Who Bully: Understanding and Changing

People who bully often act out of insecurity, unmet emotional needs, or past trauma. Change is possible with self-awareness and guidance.

Practice Empathy: Reflect on how your actions affect others.
Talk to Someone: A mental health professional, mentor, or trusted adult can help uncover the reasons behind bullying and provide healthier coping strategies.
Commit to Change: Taking responsibility is the first step toward becoming a more positive influence.

For Bystanders: The Power to Intervene

Bystanders have the power to make bullying stop faster than almost anyone else.

Speak Up: If it’s safe, tell the bully to stop. Sometimes, one strong voice is enough to change the situation.
Support the Victim: Offer kindness, friendship, and reassurance to those being targeted.
Report It: If direct intervention feels unsafe, report the incident to a teacher, school administrator, or workplace supervisor.

Essential Prevention Strategies

Stopping bullying isn’t just about reacting when it happens — it’s about creating environments where it doesn’t thrive in the first place.

At School

Implement Anti-Bullying Policies: Schools should have clear rules, reporting systems, and consequences.
Promote Positive Culture: Programs that teach empathy, respect, and inclusion reduce bullying incidents.
Encourage Student Leadership: Peer mentoring and student-led initiatives can help build a culture of kindness.

At Home

Keep Communication Open: Regularly check in with your children about school, friendships, and online life.
Model Respectful Behavior: Show kindness and empathy in your own interactions.
Teach Conflict Resolution: Help children learn healthy ways to handle disagreements without aggression.

Online

Promote Digital Citizenship: Teach responsible online behavior and respect for others in digital spaces.
Use Parental Controls: Monitoring tools can help protect children from harmful interactions.
Encourage Healthy Tech Habits: Limit screen time and encourage breaks from social media to reduce vulnerability to cyberbullying.

Creating a Kinder Future

Bullying is widespread and harmful, but it’s not inevitable. By raising awareness, teaching empathy, and building supportive communities, we can prevent it and reduce its impact.

Whether you’re a student, parent, educator, or bystander, you have the power to make a difference. Speaking up, offering support, and standing against injustice are steps toward a kinder and safer world.

And remember: help is always available. If you or someone you know is struggling due to bullying or emotional distress, you can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support — 24/7. You are not alone, and your voice matters.

Conclusion

Bullying is not a minor issue, nor is it simply a “part of growing up.” It is a deeply harmful behavior with long-lasting effects that ripple across mental health, academic success, social relationships, and even into adulthood. Whether it appears as physical aggression, verbal attacks, social exclusion, or cyberbullying, the damage can be profound and lasting.

But the good news is clear: bullying is preventable. By raising awareness, encouraging open conversations, and empowering victims, bystanders, and even those who bully, we can create environments that are safe and nurturing. Schools, families, workplaces, and online communities each play a vital role in promoting respect, empathy, and inclusion.

If you are a victim, know this: you are not alone, and what you are experiencing is not your fault. If you are a bystander, your voice and actions can be a lifeline to someone in pain. And if you have bullied others, change is always possible — understanding yourself and making better choices can transform your life and the lives of others.

The fight against bullying begins with awareness and compassion. Together, by standing up for what is right and supporting those in need, we can build a kinder, safer, and more resilient future for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the most common type of bullying?

Verbal bullying is one of the most common forms, as it can occur anywhere — in schools, workplaces, or online. Name-calling, insults, and threats may not leave physical scars, but they can cause deep emotional wounds.

2. How can I tell if my child is being bullied?

Warning signs include withdrawal from social activities, reluctance to go to school, unexplained injuries, changes in eating or sleeping patterns, declining grades, or sudden mood swings. If you notice these behaviors, gently open up a conversation with your child and create a safe space for them to share.

3. What should I do if I witness bullying?

If it’s safe, step in and tell the bully to stop. Support the victim by standing with them, walking away together, or offering comfort afterward. If direct action feels unsafe, report the incident to a teacher, school counselor, manager, or authority figure. Remember, silence often enables bullying to continue.

4. Can bullying have long-term effects in adulthood?

Yes. Adults who were bullied as children often face higher risks of anxiety, depression, social difficulties, and challenges in forming trusting relationships. Similarly, individuals who engaged in bullying behaviors are more likely to struggle with substance misuse, aggression, or workplace conflicts later in life.

5. How can schools and parents work together to prevent bullying?

Collaboration is key. Schools should implement anti-bullying programs, promote inclusivity, and create safe reporting systems. Parents can reinforce these efforts by modeling empathy at home, teaching conflict resolution, and maintaining open communication with their children. Together, they form a united front against bullying.

✨ Final Note:
Bullying is everyone’s concern, and everyone has a role to play in stopping it. Whether you’re a victim, a parent, a teacher, or simply an observer, your actions matter. Choose kindness, speak up, and support those who need it most.

Bullying: Types, Lasting Effects, and How to Get Help