A recent study highlights the long-term effects of bullying on teenagers, revealing a significant impact on their future educational and career expectations. Conducted by developmental psychologists, the research shows that students bullied in ninth grade are more likely to experience depression, which leads to pessimism about their prospects after high school.
The study followed 388 high school students over three years, regularly surveying them about their experiences with bullying and their outlook on future success. By 11th grade, teens who had reported frequent bullying in ninth grade felt less confident in their ability to achieve desired levels of education, find meaningful employment, and earn sufficient income. On average, bullied students saw a drop of eight percentile points in their future expectations compared to their peers.
Different types of bullying had varying effects on students’ outlooks. Social exclusion and damage to relationships were found to have the most negative influence, while physical bullying and direct name-calling did not appear to affect long-term expectations as significantly. Researchers linked this drop in optimism to increased depressive symptoms in students who were socially excluded, highlighting the importance of peer relationships during adolescence.
The findings raise concerns about the broader implications of bullying on a teen’s life trajectory. With a lower sense of hope and reduced confidence in their ability to succeed, bullied students may be less likely to pursue higher education or secure successful careers.
The researchers advocate for stronger anti-bullying programs that support victims and encourage bystander intervention, emphasizing that preventing bullying could improve not only teens’ mental health but also their long-term potential. Further studies will explore how to best support students as they transition from high school to adulthood.
