Bullying is not just a matter of playground teasing. It can have long-lasting effects on a child’s physical and mental health.

According to research, children who are bullied are more likely to develop physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, and even chronic pain. Here’s how bullying impacts a child’s physical health.

Increased stress

Bullying is a stressful experience for children and it can cause their body to produce cortisol, a stress hormone.

Prolonged exposure to cortisol can lead to increased blood pressure, heart disease, and other physical symptoms like headaches, insomnia, and digestive problems.

Sleep disturbances

Children who are bullied may experience difficulty sleeping, either due to fear or depression.

Sleep disturbances can have serious consequences on a child’s physical health, including a weakened immune system and a higher risk for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Chronic pain

Children who are bullied are more likely to experience chronic pain, especially if the bullying is prolonged or severe. Chronic pain can be caused by a variety of factors including tension headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and fibromyalgia.

Increased risk of illness

Children who are bullied are more susceptible to infections because their immune system is weakened due to chronic stress.

Chronic stress causes the body to produce more cortisol, which suppresses the immune system and makes it difficult to fight off infections.

Eating disorders

Children who are bullied may develop eating disorders as a way of coping with the stress. Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia can have serious physical consequences, including brittle bones, heart disease, and even death.

Substance abuse

Children who are bullied may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of coping with the stress. Substance abuse can have a damaging effect on a child’s physical health, leading to liver damage, heart disease, and other serious health problems.

Headaches and migraines

Bullying can cause children to experience headaches and migraines, which can be debilitating and affect a child’s ability to function and perform well in school.

These physical symptoms can also exacerbate stress and anxiety, leading to a vicious cycle of health problems.

Somatic symptoms

Somatic symptoms are physical symptoms that have no apparent medical cause. Bullying can cause children to experience somatic symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and muscle pain.

These symptoms can have a serious impact on a child’s physical health and ability to function.

Gastrointestinal problems

Bullying can cause children to experience gastrointestinal problems like nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. These physical symptoms can be caused by the stress of bullying and can have a negative impact on a child’s physical health.