How does bullying affect adolescents?

Bullying has significant negative consequences for adolescents, primarily leading to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and lowered self-esteem. When victims experience bullying, they often undergo emotional distress that can affect their overall well-being and development. This distress can manifest in various ways, including feelings of worthlessness, increased anxiety levels, and a pervasive sense of fear and isolation. The impact of these experiences can linger long after the bullying has stopped, affecting their academic performance, social relationships, and overall quality of life.

In contrast, the other options present misleading or inaccurate perspectives on the effects of bullying. For instance, while some may argue that facing adversity can promote resilience, this underestimates the lasting psychological harm that bullying inflicts on many individuals. Additionally, the notion that bullying has no lasting consequences overlooks the research that highlights the long-term effects on mental health. Lastly, suggesting that bullying encourages social bonding among peers fails to recognize that such interactions are rooted in negative experiences rather than positive connections. Thus, the reality of bullying's effects is best captured by acknowledging its contributions to mental health challenges in adolescents.