A recent study published in the journal Nature Mental Health reveals alarming insights into the long-term effects of bullying on children’s mental health. Conducted by researchers from the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) in the US and the University of Glasgow in the UK, the study examined data from 10,000 children in the UK.
The findings indicate that children who experience bullying are not only more likely to develop distrust but are also 3.5 times more likely to suffer from clinically significant mental health issues by the age of 17. These issues include anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, and anger.
Dr. George Slavich, who heads UCLA Health’s Laboratory for Stress Assessment and Research, emphasized the importance of addressing youth mental health concerns. He noted that investing in research to identify risk factors and develop evidence-based interventions is crucial for promoting lifelong health and resilience among teenagers.
The study underscores the need for targeted interventions in schools to counteract the negative impacts of bullying. Specifically, fostering interpersonal trust at the classroom and school levels could play a vital role in mitigating mental health risks associated with bullying.
While prior research has highlighted the association between bullying and various mental health issues among youth, this study provides new insights into the underlying pathway linking bullying to distrust and subsequent mental health problems in late adolescence.
Addressing clinically significant mental health problems during teenage years is paramount, as it can have lasting effects on both mental and physical health throughout an individual’s lifespan. Therefore, implementing school-based programs focused on building trust and supportive relationships may be crucial in promoting the well-being of adolescents.
