Bullying and Mental Health: The Effect of Childhood Bullying Experiences and the Long-Term Impact on Mental Health

We have come a long way since Plato established one of the first educational academies and Aristotle’s Peripatetic School; however nowadays, despite the educational advancements, bullying remains an increasing phenomenon, with rates reaching up to 47% during school hours and up to 87% online after school. The consequences for young people are severe, such as depression and even suicide. The consequences for young people are long lasting, and they can even be manifest during adulthood, leading to anger, aggression, panic attacks, extreme anxiety as well as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Various attempts have been made and numerous strategies attempt to efficiently deal with bullying, however the technological advancements and the security of anonymity provided by various online platforms has led to millions of victims being humiliated, threatened, and attacked online by known or unknown bullies. Consequently, the rates not
only increase constantly but also the severity of the events leads victims to social isolation, low self-esteem, and inability to cope with mental health difficulties.

This workshop will cover what constitutes bullying and cyberbullying, based on the latest research. Will examine and discuss the factors that play a role into victimisation, both at school and online. Will also examine the various types of bullying that lead to mental health difficulties. And will explore and report the consequences of such victimisation during adolescence and adulthood, as a result of continuous and severe bullying.

After attending this course delegates will be able to…

• Familiarise with the risk and preventive factors
  for bullying victimisation.
• Understand the short term and long-term consequences
  for victims.
• Familiarise with efficient strategies and approaches for supporting victims of bullying as well as preventing bullying online and offline as a whole.