Bullying Affects Children and Adults

Bullying Affects Children and Adults

Many problems in society need public attention, bullying is one of the top problems. The problem of bullying affects everyone in some aspect whether it is by being the victim, victimizer, and both the victim and the victimizer, friend, or family member of the victim or victimizer, or just a bystander that does nothing to prevent this problem. Bullying affects people both young and old.

“When you think of a bully, you might not picture a young child. While bullying is most

common in the elementary and secondary grades, it is important for early childcare and education programs to be aware that associated bullying behaviors begin early even into the preschool years.” (Healthy Child Care 2006).

When one thinks of a bully, the image of a movie villain may come into their minds. This is not always the case. In reality, a victimizer of bullying can be male or female, small or large, young or old. “Bullying has no social, financial, or cultural boundaries.” (Oakland Tribune 2006) The act of bullying changes as the age of the victim and victimizer becomes older.

In the preschool and elementary years, the acts of bullying may seem minimal or insignificant. This may not be the case. Preschoolers bully by pushing and shoving, taking toys away, teasing, and leaving a child out of a playgroup. We have all seen a preschool bully, whether it is at the playground, the supermarket, at school, or at home with our own children. Luckily, small children are usually more forgiving and forgetful of this bad behavior than older children and adults. This naivety can be a good thing. Although, the effects can still be harmful to a small child by encouraging the victimizer or by setting the scene for what is likely to face the victim in the future.

Adolescence