Bullying: It’s Not a Joke
We’ve all heard it before:
“I was just joking.”
“I didn’t mean it like that.”
“Other people say worse things.”
But what about the one student who did take that comment seriously?
Words matter. They can be hurtful, harmful, and long-lasting. When hurtful messages are repeated, children and adults alike can begin to internalize them, questioning their self-worth, their identity, and how they see themselves in the world. Over time, these experiences can shape how a person thinks, feels, and relates to others.
Bullying is not harmless. And it’s not a joke.
How Common Is Bullying?
Bullying happens more often than many people realize. Research shows:
6 out of 10 teenagers report witnessing bullying during a typical school day
7% of 8th graders stay home from school due to fear of being bullied
83% of females and 79% of males report experiencing harassment at some point during high school
10–40% of youth report experiencing cyberbullying
34% of LGBTQ+ students report being bullied on school property
28% of LGBTQ+ students experience cyberbullying
Approximately 20% of adults experience or witness bullying in the workplace
Bullying is not limited to childhood, and its effects can follow people well into adulthood.
What Is Bullying?
Bullying typically includes four key elements:
An imbalance of power
This may be physical, emotional, intellectual, or social.Repetition over time
The behavior happens more than once or is likely to happen again.Intent to harm or intimidate
The behavior is purposeful.Unequal emotional impact
The person engaging in bullying may feel rewarded or amused, while the target experiences distress.
Children and teens may engage in bullying for many reasons, including seeking attention or popularity, responding to stress at home, or trying to gain power over peers. Certain groups—particularly students with disabilities and those who identify as LGBTQ+—are at even greater risk.
Why Bullying Is So Hard to Stop
Bullying can be difficult to identify in the moment, especially because it doesn’t always look obvious. It’s also impossible for adults to monitor children at all times and in all settings.
This is especially true for:
Relational bullying, which targets friendships, social status, or peer relationships
Cyberbullying, which can occur at any time through social media, messaging, or online platforms
Because online interactions are constant and far-reaching, cyberbullying can feel inescapable.
The Emotional Impact of Bullying
The effects of bullying are serious and far-reaching. Children who are frequently bullied experience higher rates of:
Depression and anxiety
Loneliness, sadness, and feelings of rejection
Physical health complaints
Decreased motivation and academic performance
Students who experience chronic harassment are 2–9 times more likely to report suicidal thoughts or attempts.
Perhaps most concerning, many students report feeling that they don’t have the power, skills, or social permission to intervene when they witness bullying.
So, what can we do?
What Educators Can Do
Preventing bullying starts with strong relationships and clear expectations.
Take all reports seriously and address concerns immediately
Establish and consistently enforce policies that promote zero tolerance for bullying
Teach and model pro-social behavior, empathy, and respect
Empower students to stand up for others—even when they aren’t friends
Perspective-taking may not be part of standardized testing, but it is essential to raising compassionate, responsible humans. Helping students understand how their words and actions affect others is foundational to building safe, inclusive communities.
What Parents Can Do
Positive parenting practices, especially open, honest conversations, can significantly reduce mental health risks for children and teens.
Today’s children face challenges that previous generations simply didn’t. Social media, constant comparison, and intense pressure can make growing up feel overwhelming. No two children experience stress in the same way.
Parents can help by:
Talking openly and supportively about concerns and emotions
Watching for changes in behavior that may signal bullying, depression, or aggression
Remaining open to the possibility that their child may be either a target or engaging in bullying behaviors
If bullying or emotional distress is suspected, early action matters. Partnering with school staff, such as teachers, school counselors, administrators, or other trusted adults, can make a meaningful difference.
What your child feels and experiences matters. No feeling is too small to talk about.
Kindness Matters. You Matter.
Bullying can leave deep emotional marks, but support, understanding, and early intervention can help children and adults heal and thrive.
How Warburton Family Practice Can Help
If bullying, whether at school, online, or in the workplace, is affecting you or your child, you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Warburton Family Practice, we provide therapy and psychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults in Columbus, Ohio.
Our clinicians offer a warm, supportive space to help individuals process the emotional impact of bullying, build coping skills, and regain a sense of confidence and safety. We also work with families who are unsure whether therapy or a psychological evaluation might be helpful and want thoughtful guidance.
If you’re in the Columbus, Ohio area and have questions about therapy, psychological testing, or next steps for yourself or your child, we’re here to help. Reaching out doesn’t mean you have all the answers; it simply means you’re taking care of yourself or someone you love.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact Warburton Family Practice today.
