Bullying also has long-term consequences

For the study by Sara Pabian, Francine Dehue, Trijntje Völlink and Heidi Vandebosch, more than 1,600 Dutch and Flemish young adults between the ages of 18 and 26 were surveyed about their experiences with bullying between the ages of 10 and 18 and their current mental health. According to the researchers, this is the first time that online bullying has also been studied.

Former victims of bullying now have a less positive self-image and greater anxiety about forming social contacts. They are also less satisfied with their lives than adults who were not bullied.

According to those who were bullied, bullying has a negative impact not only on their mental well-being, but also on their personality and physical health. Remarkably, some respondents also experienced a positive impact from being bullied, such as becoming more resilient, feeling mentally and physically stronger, and maintaining close friendships with people who stood up for them.

Delving into the online world

“It is interesting that it is now possible to examine the long-term effects of the ‘new’ form of bullying, in which online and offline worlds merge,” says Charlotte Dopper of the Netherlands Youth Institute. “We know that for children and young people, it makes virtually no difference whether something happens online or offline; for them, this is one and the same world. However, it does require parents and professionals who did not grow up with this to familiarize themselves with that online world, so that they can recognize bullying behavior online.”

Parents and professionals can also play an important role in reducing the negative self-image of bullied children and young people, says Dopper. “Children and young people often carry this feeling with them into new situations, making them anxious about forming new social contacts. At the same time, a child who is bullied at school can undergo positive and empowering development at their sports club. Not every situation is the same, and it is important that parents and professionals help separate these experiences.”