Research has long linked bullying to mental health issues among youth. However, a new study is believed to be the first to confirm how bullying leads to distrust, and in turn, mental health struggles in teens.
The study in the journal Nature Mental Health found kids who were bullied at age 11 and became distrustful by 14 were roughly 3.5 times more likely to struggle with their mental health by 17.
“We do know that bullying increases the risks of anxiety, depression, school dropouts, substance use. Adolescents will start to drink and smoke,” said Dr. Sid Khurana, the medical director of Nevada Mental Health.
Dr. Khurana said bullying and mental health struggles in kids and teens are at an all-time high, and parents and guardians shouldn’t shy away from talking about it with their kids.
“Don’t ignore the signs. Don’t be dismissive. Don’t tell them it is nothing or don’t tell them, ‘Go figure it out on your own. Toughen up,'” Dr. Khurana said.
He says, validate them, support them, and make a plan for how to address the bullying.