Bullying is a complex social and cultural phenomenon with long-term negative psychological and physical effects for both victims and aggressors. Studies show that, over time, these roles can reverse, highlighting the dynamic and complex nature of bullying relationships (Rettew & Pawlowski, 2016).
In contemporary society, bullying is most frequently seen in school settings, where physical differences are among the main triggers of aggressive behaviour (Bauman et al., 2016).
Longitudinal research indicates significant differences between bullying in childhood and bullying during puberty or adolescence. Bullying may be easier to identify in primary school, yet its prevalence is higher in middle school and early adolescence. Although in most cases this phenomenon decreases or disappears with age, a minority of individuals continue to be bullied throughout adolescence (Pepler et al., 2008).
The negative consequences of aggression are increasingly recognized both in the literature and in daily life; mental health specialists and the general public alike have been surprised by the severity of bullying's impact. It has been identified as a predictor of high levels of anxiety, sadness, suicide attempts, psychosis, and self-harm behaviours, among other mental health and psychiatric outcomes (Juvonen et al., 2010).
What you can do if you are a victim of bullying
Victims of bullying often struggle with fear, shame, or isolation, which can prevent them from asking for help. However, early intervention is essential.
First, it is important for the victim to speak with a trusted adult (a parent, teacher, or school counsellor). Open communication can reduce feelings of helplessness and help identify concrete solutions. It is also recommended to avoid social isolation. Maintaining friendships and engaging in extracurricular activities can support self-esteem and reduce the negative impact of aggression.
What you can do if you are a witness
Witnesses play a key role in either perpetuating or stopping bullying. Silence may be interpreted as acceptance, while intervention can significantly reduce the frequency of aggressive behaviour.
A witness can choose to support the victim through simple actions (for example, standing by them) or by reporting the situation to an adult. It is important that any intervention is safe and does not put the witness at risk. Promoting empathy and respect within peer groups can help shift social norms that tolerate aggression.
What you can do if you are a parent
Parents have a crucial role in preventing and managing bullying. Monitoring the child's behaviour, noticing emotional changes, and encouraging open communication are essential.
It is important for parents not to minimize the child's experiences, but to treat them seriously. At the same time, encouraging an aggressive response should be avoided; dialogue-based strategies and institutional support are preferable. Collaboration with the school and consultation with specialists can contribute to effective resolution.
The role of school in bullying prevention
School is the main environment where bullying occurs, but also the place where effective prevention strategies can be implemented.
Educational programs focused on socio-emotional skills, empathy, and conflict management are essential. Clear rules and consequences for aggressive behaviour also help create a safe climate. Training teachers to recognize and intervene in bullying situations is another important component.
Interventions and psychological support
Psychological intervention plays an essential role in understanding and managing bullying, aiming not only to reduce immediate negative effects but also to prevent long-term consequences for emotional and social development.
Therapy can help rebuild self-esteem, restore a sense of safety, and develop healthy strategies for coping with anxiety, sadness, or fear. Through counselling, involved individuals learn to identify and restructure negative thoughts, express emotions in adaptive ways, and strengthen relational skills.
Behaviours associated with bullying may reflect emotional difficulties, lack of empathy, impulse-regulation problems, or dysfunctional relational models. The therapeutic process can support understanding of the impact of one's actions, empathy development, and learning healthier alternatives for interaction.
Psychological support may include several forms of intervention, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, individual counselling, group therapy, or socio-emotional development programs.
These interventions improve communication skills, increase resilience, and support constructive conflict management. A key element is involving family and school in the intervention process. Collaboration between parents, teachers, and specialists helps create a safe and coherent environment in which the child can develop harmoniously.
Consistent support and validation of emotional experiences also contribute significantly to recovery. Effective interventions are those that involve all parties (family, school, and specialists) in an integrated approach focused on understanding, prevention, and healthy development.
Cătălina Șuică, Autonomous clinical psychologist and Adlerian psychotherapist