BULLYING at school can have long-lasting effects on children, particularly when it is faced in teenage. Teenagers subjected to either verbal or physical bullying are known to be at a greater risk of developing depression, anxiety disorders or behaving violently.

Children can be mentally disturbed if they are teased often.

There are several negative effects of bullying on children such as lack of confidence, sadness and loneliness, changes in sleep and eating patterns, loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy, mental and physical health issues, and grades are likely to drop.

These issues may persist in adulthood and can lead to suicide or murder as well. Children are different and are likely to exhibit varying pattern of behaviour during or after bullying.

The best solution to bullying is strong social support from friends, family and school. Those having no one to share their problems will suffer the most.

Steps must be taken to improve educational and societal environment in order to improve the lives of teenagers. There should be a strong parent-child bonding on such issues.

M. Farhan Nazir

Lahore

Published in Dawn, March 20th, 2019