Parents may rely on teachers and staff to protect the well-being of their children by monitoring the behaviors of students and responding to any issues that arise. Unfortunately, bullying is an issue that continues to affect many children and if staff members fail to take steps to prevent such behavior, the results may prove devastating. Knowing the possible effects of bullying on school-aged children could help parents in California understand the risks and prepare to take every possible measure to safeguard the well-being of their kids should similar issues exist. 

Bullying is a type of issue that remains unfortunately common in many school environments and studies indicate that bullying can affect a child’s well-being in various ways, some of which might include: 

  • Mental health:  Studies indicate that kids who are exposed to bullying at school may be at greater risk of suffering from mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety. 
  • Sleep patterns:  Similar issues could also disrupt a child’s sleep patterns and issues of this nature could also affect one’s well-being and increase the risk of further health complications. 
  • Decreased performance:  School-age kids who suffer due to such behavior may also begin to exhibit decreased performance in school or extra-curricular activities. 
  • Loss of interest:  Bullying could also cause a child to experience a loss of interest in hobbies or lead to issues with school attendance and participation. 

Studies also suggest that the effects of bullying may persist through various stages of life and taking steps to address the issue may be integral to preventing long-term or permanent harm. 

While parents who have concerns their child is suffering from bullying may find it helpful to speak with staff members or file a complaint with the school, this might not always prove fruitful. Parents who wish to protect against similar hazards could find it helpful to speak with an experienced attorney for advice on their options and the next steps to take to confront the issues at hand. An attorney in California can help a client create a strategy to protect the well-being of his or her child and if necessary, prepare to seek any restitution to which he or she may be entitled to receive.