The Effects of Bullying

It is a perception seemingly known by many, that the bully often goes on to bully others.  This is a perception often reinforced by Hollywood and the media, whereby the fall of the bully is shown through the bringing to light of his/her past.

As is often the case with Hollywood representations, this is not always a realistic portrayal.

People make unconscious decisions to either externalise or internalise their emotions.  In many situations, the emotions that result from being bullied are internalised, however, as pressure builds a release is needed.  An externalisation of emotion is needed.  This externalisation is manifested in many forms.  One example, as mentioned, is to externalise the emotion and to project negative emotions onto other people.  This is how a bully is often perceived; as projecting negative emotions onto other individuals.

The use of self harm as an externalisation of negative emotions, is generically less understood, and carries with it a high level of stigma and many more negative implications.  However, it is quite possibly a more likely result to inflict this externalisation onto the self than onto others.

Self harm as a result of bullying is an issue that needs to be addressed, especially in the context of adolescents as this age group is far more influential.

In relation to bullying as a cause of self harm, it is possible to note how self harm is a result of the external environment impacting the actions of an individual.  From this statement it is possible to apply this perception to other contexts.  It is made possible to suggest that self harm is a result of the external environment.

See Step Up! International's parenting blog for more articles on the effects of bullying.