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This blog is going to examine the link between bullying and substance abuse. As discussed in our previous blog, there is a link between bullying and mental health issues, but what do bullying and substance abuse have in common?
To answer this, it is important to look at the relationship between bullying and substance abuse. The term ‘tsubstance abuse’t is not limited to just drugs and alcohol, it also includes food.
The Relationship Between Bullying and Substance Abuse
Research has shown that one of the negative effects of bullying in childhood is that the victim is more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol in laters years. An article by Reuters in 2017 reported that children that were bullied at school were much more likely than their peers to abuse cannabis and alcohol in their teens.
Peer victimisation really does have a negative impact on the victims who later choose to abuse substances as a way of coping. Drug and alcohol abuse can lead to mental health issues and also sickness and health complications.
Another form of substance abuse which has been linked to bullying is eating disorders. Unfortunatley, many youngsters and adolescents who are being bullied don’t have the coping skills to deal with the bullying. The feelings of shame, anxiety and sadness can onset eating disorders as a coping mechanism.
Binge eating, comfort eating and anorexia are all forms of eating disorders linked to bullying. The development of such disordered eating is often how a victim copes with bullying because it gives them a form of control. Substance abuse as a result of bullying is damaging and distressing because, with intervention, such behaviours could be prevented.
What Can Be Done About the Worrying Link Between Bullying and Substance Abuse?
What do substance abuse and bullying have in common? What should you do if you think that someone you care about is the victim of bullying? Firstly, pay attention and look for the signs. If your loved one is isolating themselves, find out why — don’t ignore it. Telling a victim to stand up for themselves or not to pay attention to the bully won’t necessarily make it stop.
Find the supports that are available and let the victim know that there are people and organisations that can help them. By being pro-active, it is possible to break the link between bullying and substance abuse.
Bullying Resources
Bullying — A Complete Approach
School Workbook
Contains hints and tips for teachers, parents and young people to enable them to identify and tackle bullying.
- Published: 1999
- Last revised: 2022
- Pages: 94
Price: £5.69 Now: £2.28
Bullying in the Workplace
Business Handbook
This pack provides guidance for companies on tackling workplace bullying, supporting the targets of bullying and ensuring the wellbeing of staff.
- Published: 2020
- Last revised: 2022
- Pages: 50
Price: £4.19 Now: £1.68
Bullying Lesson Plans
Bullying and Cyberbullying
Lesson Plan
This lesson plan covers how to deal with bullying and cyberbullying and contains handouts for the classroom.
- Published: 2019
- Last revised: 2021
- Pages: 15
Price: £0.79 Now: £0.32
Bullying
Lesson Plan
This covers bullying, the types of bullying, the bully, the target and how to tackle bullying.
- Published: 2019
- Last revised: 2021
- Pages: 13
Price: £2.99 Now: £0.32
Playground Bullying
Lesson Plan
A lesson plan on playground bullying, the issues caused and addressing the topic.
- Published: 2022
- Pages: 17
Price: £0.79 Now: £0.32
Free Bullying Resources
Anti-Bullying Policy For Workplaces
Free Template
A free template to help you develop your own anti-bullying policy for your workplace.
- Published: 2023
- Pages: 8
Free Download
Anti-Bullying Policy For Schools
Free Template
A free template to help you develop your own anti-bullying policy for your school.
- Published: 2023
- Pages: 8
Free Download
Targets of Bullying
Free Resource
This free download covers what a bully is and the targets of bullying. See our resource pack 'Bullying — A Complete Approach' for a more comprehensive discussion on bullying, including worksheets, activities and lessons.
- Published: 2019
- Pages: 6
Free Download