How does bullying influence a young person's academic performance?
Imagine walking into school, your stomach tied in knots, not from a challenging test ahead, but from the fear of being bullied. Bullying is an aggressive behavior that involves an imbalance of power or strength. It can take many forms – physical, verbal, social, or cyber – and it can profoundly affect a young person's academic performance. When you are constantly on edge, expecting to be harassed or mocked, your ability to focus and engage in learning diminishes. The stress and anxiety caused by bullying can lead to absenteeism, decreased participation in class, and a general disinterest in schoolwork. It's a domino effect where the emotional and psychological toll of bullying spills over into your capability to perform academically.