Emotional impact of bullying and cyber bullying: perceptions and effects on students

Abstract

Bullying and cyberbullying are phenomena that have a significant emotional impact on students, generating negative perceptions and affecting their general well-being. Bullying refers to repeated aggressive, intimidating, or excluding behaviors that occur among peers in the school setting, while cyberbullying involves the use of electronic means to harass, defame, or threaten other students. The emotional impact of bullying and cyberbullying can be devastating for the students affected. They experience a wide range of negative emotions, including anxiety, fear, sadness, anger, and shame. Constant exposure to these experiences can lead to depression, low self-esteem, and mental health problems. Bullied students often have difficulty concentrating on their studies, which can affect their academic performance and personal development. Student perceptions of bullying and cyberbullying also play a role. Students may perceive themselves as helpless victims, which contributes to a sense of helplessness and hopelessness. In addition, they may develop distorted beliefs about their personal worth and their ability to relate to others. This can lead to a decrease in social participation, isolation, and a lack of self-confidence. The effects derived from school bullying and cyberbullying are numerous. Bullied students may experience a deterioration in their interpersonal relationships, since they have difficulties establishing solid bonds with their peers. Additionally, they may avoid school situations, such as transportation, recess, or extracurricular activities, for fear of being victimized. These avoidance behaviors can have a negative impact on their social development and their ability to adjust to the school environment. It is important to keep in mind that school cyberbullying has expanded the dimensions of traditional bullying. Bullying can happen online 24/7 and can reach a much broader audience. This intensifies the emotional impact on students, as they feel constantly threatened and cannot escape bullying even in the safety of their homes.