Psychological Effects of Bullying Behavior on Individuals' Mental Health

Bullying, as a phenomenon that frequently occurs in interpersonal relationships, can be defined as the act of one person or group abusing another by using force. This situation manifests itself in school environments, especially among young people, and today it is becoming widespread in different forms on social media platforms on the internet. Bullying in the digital environment can have much more destructive and deeper effects on the victims than bullying in the physical environment. Therefore, the mental health effects of bullying on individuals have become a social problem with both physical and psychological dimensions. Individuals who are subjected to bullying often suffer from many mental health problems such as elevated levels of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and disconnection in social relationships. Young people, in particular, may face bullying at a more vulnerable time due to the weakening of their social ties. As a result, their deteriorating mental health can negatively affect their quality of life, and this can deeply affect their academic and social lives, leaving lasting scars in their future lives. In this critical situation, supporting bullied individuals stands out as an important necessity for society. Families, teachers, and friends can stand by bullied individuals, give them strength, and help them feel safer. Fighting bullying effectively will be possible by ensuring the active participation of individuals from all segments of society and by acting jointly.