THE EFFECTS OF BULLYING

The Effect on the Victim: Students who are the victims of bullying suffer behavioral consequences, 
including: 
• Loss of an interest in schoolwork.
• Reluctance to attend school; poor attendance.
• Lower grades.
• Limited social contact with peers.
• Mood swings, especially toward depression, irritability, unhappiness, outbursts of anger.
• Report headaches, stomach pains (frequently in the morning before leaving for school), poor
appetite, loss of sleep.
• Visible cuts, scratches, bruises.
• Loss of personal property because of theft or extortion.


The Effect on the Bully: Students who bully others also suffer behavioral consequences, including: 
• Lower grades.
• Anti-social behaviors, including use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco, and engaging in vandalism.
• Be truant from school.
• Drop out of school.
• Oppositional behavior and defiance directed at adults, including adult authority figures.
• More likely to be convicted of criminal behavior in a court of law.


The Effect on the Bystander / Witness: Students who witness bullying may also suffer behavioral 
consequences, including: 
• Feelings of anger and helplessness for not knowing what to do.
• Nightmares about being the next target.
• Guilt for not taking action.
• Fear of certain areas in school.

Compiled by UNICEF Malaysia Communications, 2007

by CHIA YONG SIANG A116757