Litwiller & Brausch On Bullying

Secondary to the experience of trauma, depression and low self-esteem one may feel as a result of the torment of being a victim of bullying, comes the need to lift oneself up. Unfortunately, to balance out the pain and hurt a victim of bullying feels, he or she sometimes turns to drugs, engage in violent behaviors, and lose interest in most things pertaining to school, such as academics. “Several painful and provocative behaviors have been identified consistently as behaviors that relate to both bullying and adolescent suicidal behavior.” Litwiller, B., & Brausch, A. a. (2013). To cope with the damaged self-esteem, insecure feelings of one-self, and the hurt, all caused by the bully, in a way, cripples the victim. He or she now turns to risky behaviors such as unprotected sex, to feel worthy or better about themselves. They turn to drugs and alcohol to give them that mellow high feeling, as a temporary numbness for the pain that they feel. Research shows that both cyber bullying and physical bullying had “direct effects on substance use, violent behavior, sexual behavior” and that “adolescents who experience physically violent victimization have been shown to be more likely to act violent towards others.” Litwiller, B., & Brausch, A. a. (2013).

In conjunction with depression, aggression, and risky behaviors, it becomes hard for a bully victim to devote themselves to their education. How can you direct yourself to complete all your assignments when you constantly feel harassed? How can you plug in to what is actually being taught, or concentrate on what is being asked of you, when you are not at peace with yourself and others around you? The inner battle of self-love, self-confidence, and self-esteem a victim of bullying fights, distracts him or her from their full academic