Why The Effects of Bullying Matter
It’s been said time and time again: effects of bullying are troublesome and the problem is growing. But how bad is it?
Bullying victimizes a whopping 3.2 million students each year. Another statistic estimates that worldwide, one in every three children has reported being bullied. Every day approximately 160,000 teens skip school due to the effects of bullying. Now, with greater access to technology, there is no escape from the abuse. The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey found that 15% of high school students were electronically bullied in the year 2013. Bullying is a problem and it’s growing, with increasingly worse consequences.
Bullying Can lead to the development of mental health disorders
Bullying hurts everyone: from the victim to the bullier, to the witnesses. All individuals involved are at a greater risk to experience a negative impact on their mental health as a direct result. The link between mental health issues and involvement in bullying is very real and very dangerous. The likelihood of developing disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders is much higher among those with a history of bullying or being bullied. Approximately one out of five adolescents has a diagnosable mental health disorder.
How Trails Helps with Bullying
At Trails Carolina we support bullying prevention and education. “Many of our students have suffered from bullying in their schools,” says the Clinical Director of Trails Carolina, Jason McKeown. “We use our wilderness program to help kids make positive changes and learn how to cope and deal with those types of situations and many more of the challenges they face.”
Trails Carolina integrates bullying education as part of the curriculum for both parents and students. One of the goals of our programs is to aid parents in recognizing potential warning signs, as well as, help students understand the the effects of bullying and how to manage the consequences.
Warning Signs To Look Out For
Trails Carolina believes parents need awareness and knowledge in order to combat the effects of bullying. Here are some symptoms and warning signs according to stopbullying.org that your child may be a victim or perpetrator of bullying:
- Frequent health complaints
- Decrease in academic performance
- Changes in sleeping or eating patterns
- Refusal to attend school or school related events
- Moodiness and withdrawn behavior
- Violent outbursts and aggressive behaviors
- Substance abuse
- Vandalism and other criminal activities
When is it time to seek help?
If you see these symptoms and warning signs in your child, it may be time to get help. Early intervention can help prevent your child from developing serious mental health issues. Trails Carolina Clinical Director, Jason McKeown, reminds us “We never want our children to experience bullying if they do not have too, however in today’s environment, we cannot keep it from happening. Education, awareness, and how to handle potential bullying situations are essential to preparing our children.”
Steps Toward Healing
Trails Carolina is here to help you and your 10-17 year old son or daughter. Here are some steps you can take to help your child:
- Listen to what they say and show them that you care.
- If they are being bullied let them know they have done nothing wrong and no one deserves to be bullied.
- Is Your Teen Bullying? Five Ways To Address Bullying In Teens
- Seek help and support, you are not alone in this.
- Call Trails Carolina at 1.800.975.7303 for more information on how we can help
Get started today
Contact us today to learn how Trails Carolina can help your family
Trails saved my daughter’s life. Amanda is an amazing human and a brilliant therapist. I am so grateful to her, Science Steve, and the other wonderful people who could reach my daughter at a time when I could not.
Margot Lowman August 2022
Great life changing experience for our son. After becoming addicted to gaming during covid he was very depressed. At Trails he experienced the wilderness, Science Steve, learning survival skills and top notch therapy and support etc… I highly recommend! This gave our son and our family a renewed family bond full of love and excitement about his bright future.
Winnifred Wilson July 2022
Outstanding clinical work and superb staff! There’s a great culture at this company and it shows with how they engage with families/clients.
Kristin Brace June 2022