The effects of bullying can be long-lasting and detrimental to a student’s physical and mental health. Sometimes, bullying can even be fatal. In extreme cases, bullying has driven students to commit suicide in a tragic phenomenon known as “bullycide.” Here’s what educators and parents need to know.
What is Bullycide?
Bullying causes many to enter a state of sadness or depression. When unhandled, depression can lead to self-harm or thoughts of suicide. “Bullycide” is the term coined for those who experienced bullying and ultimately committed suicide as a result. Bully victims are typically two to nine times more likely to consider suicide as a result of bullying.
Is There a Connection Between Bullying and Suicide?
There is no factual, direct link between bullying and suicide because many factors can lead to suicide. What is known is that there is an increase in risk for suicide to victims of bullying. Suicide and bullying are both important topics to discuss, but it’s important to not directly correlate the two in all cases because it takes attention away from other significant factors that lead to suicide. At the moment, there is no factual link between bullying and suicide because there have been no studies on the long-term results of bullying.
What Can You Do to Fix This Problem?
Bullying is a problem that has been around for years, but that doesn’t mean the conversation should end — or that the problem can’t be solved. Continuing the discussion about how to end such hateful acts is important part of creating a safe atmosphere for all. It’s important to be aware and step in when you notice the warning signs of bullying. You should also step in when you directly see or hear about a bullying problem. Bullying is not a problem that will go away on its own, which is why we need to continue to discuss the signs, causes and effects.
Bullying is a serious matter that can affect many young people. The effects of bullying affect more than just the victim when it leads to bullycide, which is why it’s crucial to continue the fight against these hateful acts.
By Jonathan Mendoza
