The damaging consequences of bullying into adult life
22 January 2010.
New research by Wesley Mission shows that a staggering 85 per cent of the community reports that schoolyard bullying had affected the way they had developed as adults. Of more concern, the research shows that one in five adults surveyed said that bullying had a pure negative impact on their adult lives.
Wesley Mission has found that the bullying experience has led to other issues such as substance abuse, regular sick leave, and in some cases ongoing need for psychiatric services and counselling. These findings and the broader impact school bullying has on society – at both a social and economic level – clearly demonstrates the need for the issue to be given greater focus and support by the government and the wider community.
Rev the Hon. Dr Gordon Moyes, former Superintendent of Wesley Mission for 27 years, was part of the recent Upper House inquiry into Bullying of Children and Young People. This inquiry was a positive first step towards tackling this complex issue.
The latest Wesley Report “Give kids A chance: No one deserves to be left out” differs from much of the previous research on bullying as it looks at the long-term effects of bullying in adult life. It shows the damaging consequences of bullying, with victims reporting significant levels of withdrawal and isolation which inhibit their social skills development and lead to insecurity even in adult life.
In this report, Wesley Mission has emphasised that peer abuse is a complex personal, familial, education and social problem. As a result, bullying is not just a consideration for schools or parents; ending peer abuse is everyone’s responsibility.
The major findings of the report found that more than four-fifths of respondents (85 per cent) reported that the school-time bullying experience had affected the way they had developed as adults. Low self-esteem and lack of assertiveness were listed as the primary negative effects in adult life, this was followed by difficulties in building relationships of trust. Other problems included aggression and difficulty in controlling anger. Most victims in the sample seemed to be only willing to report emotional bullying when it persisted more than “often”. This is a disturbing result as it implied that victims were willing to put up with being ignored, teased and taunted.
Dr Moyes, along with other Family First members of Parliament in other states, is working very hard to campaign and educate the government, schools, and civil society about this growing problem. Family First calls on both the Commonwealth and State Governments to implement a whole of community and integrated approach to preventing and addressing bullying in our society.
Dr Moyes stated, “Families are the lifeblood of our communities. We must take responsibility for what is going on in our schools, church and communities. Schools, the government and the community sector must work in tandem to address this serious social issue. Each one of us has a responsibility in contributing to breaking the bullying cycle experienced by our young people. Each child deserves the opportunity to reach their potential and to lead a fulfilling life.” END.
