With over 30 years of experience working with children and adults as a practicing family therapist, Ellen Walser deLara, Ph.D., LCSW-R., ACSW, BCD, focuses on the lasting impact of bullying on children, adolescents and adults in her recently released book, Bullying Scars: The impact on adult life and relationships.
In a recent podcast by Upstate Medical University’s HealthLink on Air, deLara discusses the long-term effects of bullying.
deLara describes the profile for children most commonly targeted by bullies as anyone “demonstrating difference of any kind,” such as those in the disabled or LGBT communities. For children, she explains, bullying can happen at school with teachers or at home by parents or siblings. The long-term effects, she says, are more severe than other forms of child maltreatment.
Unfortunately, victims of bullying sometimes become abusers and bullies themselves. Others turn to the misuse of substances. There are victims, however, who say they’re stronger as individuals because of their experiences. deLara explains that a surprisingly high percentage of victims say bullying impacted their moral development, and sometimes their experiences have led them to careers that involve helping others.
deLara advises victims and bullies may need the help of a professional to overcome the impact in their lives. In her recent article, “Talking with Children about Bullying and Violence,” deLara explains that dialogue is key in helping children and teens manage their exposure to violence at school, at home, and also through the media.