The effects of bullying on children can be traumatic and long lasting. Common effects on victims of bullying include the following:

• Depression (including sadness, loss of interest in activities)
• Anxiety (tenseness, fear and worries)
• Loss of self-esteem
• Increased levels of aggressive behaviour
• Health problems like headaches, stomach aches
• Loneliness and social anxiety
• Missing school
• Social withdrawal and isolation

Some adults who were bullied in their youth report extended psychological harm into adulthood, like continued distress, self-blame, fear and internalized problems like depression.

There are also effects on the children or youth who bully. They not only have problems with peer relationships, they are also at risk for many other behaviour and relationship problems as they get older, including:

• Aggression
• Sexual harassment
• Dating aggression
• Delinquency
• Alcohol or drug use
• Gang involvement