Bullying and mental health are strongly connected
Those who are bullied in middle and high school often deal with tough mental health problems. These issues can stick with them as they grow up and enter adulthood. Research shows an increased risk of anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and thoughts of suicide due exposures of childhood bullying.
Beyond adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), are potentially traumatic events that happen between the ages 0 and 17. When these events are frequent or severe, they can lead to lasting emotional, social, or physical harm. For children and teens, this can create toxic stress and may be considered an ACE.
Examples of ACE’s include:
- Being bullied, whether through verbal, physical, social, or cyberbullying, especially if it happens often
- Experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect at home, school, or in the community
- Witnessing violence, like seeing bullying, domestic violence, or fights
- Having a family member who attempts or dies by suicide, which can deeply impact a child’s emotions
Addressing bullying is very important to improve mental health outcomes for youth. It can be a step toward changing the environments that can contribute to bullying and a mental health emergency.
ACEs can create serious challenges, affecting health and well-being over time. However, with the right support and help, children and youth with high ACEs can thrive. The journey they face highlights their amazing capacity for growth, healing and their refusal to let trauma control them. Research shows that it is important for teachers and other adult helpers, youth workers, and coaches who engage with young people to accept and support all parts of their experiences, feelings and behavior. This includes acknowledging their feelings of deep sadness and anger, as well as their hopes, dreams, and resilience.
What CYVPU Olweus Bullying Prevention Program sites are doing
The Child Youth Violence Prevention Unit funds organizations that train and support efforts to reduce and prevent bullying among elementary, middle, and high school age youth. These organizations help young people develop skills like teamwork, communication, confidence, and resilience. Additionally, some sites focus on supporting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color youth between 13 and 17 years old. Learn more about our bullying prevention sites.
Mental health resources for youth that have experienced bullying
Anyone who has been bullied should be made aware or reminded that mental health professionals can help. Your primary care doctor can refer you and your child to mental health professionals in your community. Take care of your mental health with the resources below.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Mental health support 24/7. If you or a loved one are having emotional distress or thoughts of suicide, call 988 to connect with a lifeline specialist for support. When you need to talk, we're here.
- Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line
- The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL) is here to connect you directly to clinical help, when and where you need it. Even if you’re not sure what kind of help or treatment you may need.
- The Trevor Project
- LGBTQIA+ youth can call 866-488-7386 for support. This hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Youth can also get help by texting the word START to 678678.
- McLean Hospital
- McLean Hospital supports young people by giving them the skills they need to be successful in managing their mental health.
- The William James INTERFACE Referral Service
- Check if this service is available in your community. This service is a free, confidential service that connects people with mental health professionals in Massachusetts.
What you can do if your child is being bullied
If your child is being bullied or seeing it at school, you can show support by reporting it to the school and reviewing laws about bullying.
What teens can do to prevent bullying
Bullying is a serious issue, but teens have the power to make a difference. Learn what you can do to make people who are bullied feel safe.
Bullying research and statistics
Learn more about bullying across the state of Massachusetts. Understanding the prevalence, causes, and impact of bullying is key to creating safe, supportive environments for all youth.