Bullying

Whether online or in person, it’s hurtful and causes harm

Treatment Trauma Bullying

Bullying: What You Need to Know

Bullying is not a new concept. It has been for generations and generations. For many, it starts innocently enough at home with siblings or may progress to the classroom, where teasing is common, and hierarchies and cliques seem ever-present. Something has changed in recent years, though. Today’s bullying has extended from an in-person experience to a constant online assault via social media, and the impact is nothing short of devastating for its many victims.

With cyberbullying, the harmful behavior doesn’t stop when you are out of the bully’s sight. It follows you home — and wherever else there is internet access. Its reach is also wider, with taunts not just witnessed by a limited audience but posted online for all to see. Psychological and emotional damage can now be done from thousands of miles of away, while the perpetrators hide behind their laptop screen or phone.

Effects of Bullying

Whatever form it takes, bullying negatively impacts those who experience it. It usually starts with a decline in academic functioning, increased social isolation, or aligning yourself with peers who are a poor influence just for the sake of having friends. As bullying continues, symptoms can include depression, anxiety, self-harm, rage, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation or attempts.

While bullying may have a physical component, that’s not always the case. Common forms of bullying include:

  • Being the subject of rumors or lies
  • Being made fun of, called names, or insulted
  • Getting pushed, shoved, tripped, or spit on
  • Being left out or excluded
  • Threats of physical harm
  • Pressured to do things they did not want to do
  • Having property purposely destroyed

Hear From Our Alumni

Recovery Replay

See Podcast Episodes

Recovery Replay Podcast: Overcoming Bullying


Bullying is something many of us have seen happen to others or experienced ourselves firsthand. It comes in many forms: mental, cyber, and even physical. For Natalie Naman, being on the receiving end of bullying behavior leads to isolation and addiction. In the end, it will take her mom Christine and her family to get her the help she needs.


Visit RecoveryReplay.com to hear Part 1 and Part 2.

See Podcast Episodes

The Stats on Bullying

  • About 20% of students ages 12-18 experienced bullying nationwide.
  • 56% of students who reported being bullied said they thought those who bullied them had the ability to influence other students’ perception of them.
  • Nationwide, 19% of students in grades 9–12 report being bullied on school property in the 12 months prior to the survey.
  • Among students ages 12-18 who reported being bullied at school during the school year, 15 % were bullied online or by text.
  • An estimated 14.9% of high school students were electronically bullied in the 12 months prior to the survey.

SOURCE: StopBullying.gov

Treating Bullying

If the effects of bullying aren’t addressed, victims may seek out unhealthy behaviors, act out, or self-medicate with alcohol or drugs. We utilize experiential therapies including neurofeedback, mindfulness practices, equine-assisted psychotherapy, challenge courses, trauma-informed psychodrama, EMDR, and Somatic Experiencing to address these issues. Our evidence-based treatment approach has proven effective in helping individuals process and overcome emotional trauma, including trauma from adoption or abandonment.

Approximately 20% of students ages 12-18 — that’s one in five — experienced bullying nationwide, according to StopBullying.gov.

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Help for Bullying

Bullying, whether in person or online, can have a range of adverse effects on a young adult’s life if they are not addressed. The Claudia Black Young Adult Center can help individuals suffering from trauma, substance use, or mental health conditions related to bullying. We offer a comprehensive treatment program that focuses on healing the whole person, and our experienced staff looks forward to helping you begin your healing journey.

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Admissions

Our experienced, compassionate Admissions team is here to help 24 hours a day and will treat you with the dignity and respect you deserve. Let our specialists help you create a road map to get you where you want to go: a healthier, more balanced, fulfilling place in life. When you call, you’ll be led through a series of questions to determine if the Claudia Black Young Adult Center is the right fit for your needs, and how soon your treatment can begin.

If you are interested in treatment for yourself or a loved one, call or fill out our convenient Admissions form!

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