Abstract-School bullying has serious short-term and long-term effects on children’s physical and mental health. It represents a significant public health concern, profoundly impacting the mental, emotional, social, and academic well-being of children. Bullying includes several key elements: physical, verbal, or psychological attack or intimidation that is intended to cause fear, distress, or harm to the victim, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), etc. The diagnosis is based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) criteria under F90-F98 Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence. Various anti-bullying programs have been implemented worldwide and, more rarely, evaluated. Previous narrative reviews, summarising the work done on bullying prevention, as well as previous meta-analyses of anti-bullying programs, are limited. Homoeopathy offers individualised treatment by understanding the child’s mental and emotional state, helping to restore inner balance and confidence with a safe and non-invasive nature.
Objective: To highlight the psychological effects of school bullying and the role of homoeopathic remedies in promoting emotional healing and mental well-being in affected children.
Keywords – School bullying, Child mental health, Homoeopathy, Paediatric depression, Individualised
Introduction-
Bullying refers to an unequal power relationship between the victim and the perpetrator, and also the episodes are repeated over time.1 It is a form of aggressive and violent behaviour that occurs in school, especially when the teachers are not observing the children’s interaction and often on school premises. Bullying severely corrodes self-esteem, fostering deep-seated feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy. Children who are bullied frequently experience intense emotional distress, feelings of helplessness, and profound isolation.3
Consequences of Bullying, being bullied was found to be associated with anxiety, depression, and preferring to stay alone. Also, bullied children were more likely to report symptoms such as school phobia, vomiting, catastrophizing, self-blaming, and sleep disturbances 9
The emotional toll often leads to increased self-isolation and difficulty forming healthy relationships with friends and even family members.1
The negative mental health impacts of bullying are not transient; they can persist well into adulthood, affecting interpersonal relationships, career trajectories, and contributing to the development of chronic health issues like diabetes and heart disease later in life.8 These individuals are at a higher risk for engaging in violent and other risky behaviours that extend into adulthood, including substance abuse (alcohol and drugs), physical altercations, vandalism, early sexual activity, criminal convictions, and even perpetrating abuse in romantic relationships or as parents.1They are more prone to developing antisocial behaviours, experiencing significant academic problems, and exhibiting reduced accountability for their actions.1 It is also observed that some victims of bullying may, in turn, become bullies themselves as a way to cope with feelings of helplessness or to redirect aggression.3
Table 1: Mental Health Impacts of Bullying on Children on Academic, Social, and Developmental Repercussions
| Affected Group | Impact Category | Specific Effects |
| Victims | Mental/Emotional | Depression, anxiety, increased sadness, loneliness, changes in sleep/eating, loss of interest, low self-esteem, increased self-criticism, feelings of worthlessness, emotional distress, helplessness, isolation, PTSD, anger, frustration, feelings of rejection, separation anxiety, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, guilt (if bystander) |
| Physical | Health complaints, body aches/pains, slower recovery from illness, sleep disturbances, bed-wetting, poor appetite | |
| Social | Self-isolation, difficulty forming relationships, poor relational skills, feeling less worthy, feeling friendless, and being excluded | |
| Academic | Decreased academic achievement (GPA, test scores), less school participation, missing/skipping/dropping out of school, difficulty focusing, lower school performance | |
| Long-Term/Developmental | Issues persist into adulthood (depression, anxiety, PTSD), chronic health issues (diabetes, heart disease), difficulty dealing with stressors, lower confidence, less likely to participate in extracurriculars, less likely to speak up, lower earnings, not in employment/education/training, increased risk of domestic violence/homelessness, suicidal ideation/behaviors, substance abuse, self-harm. | |
| Bullies | Mental/Emotional | Low self-esteem, insecurity, depression, anxiety, guilt, shame, isolation, and psychotic symptoms |
| Behavioral | Violent/risky behaviours, getting into fights, vandalising property, early sexual activity, criminal convictions, abusive toward partners/spouses/children, antisocial behaviours, aggressive behaviours, less likely to take responsibility, desire for revenge, increased startle response, vigilance attitude. | |
| Academic | Drop out of school, significant academic problems | |
| Long-Term/Developmental | Substance abuse (alcohol/drugs), antisocial behaviours, academic problems, reduced accountability, substance use disorders in adulthood | |
| Bystanders | Mental/Emotional | Increased mental health problems (depression, anxiety), guilt about inaction |
| Behavioral | Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs, or missing/skipping school |
Homoeopathic Approach To Somatoform Disorder
Dr Samuel Hahnemann explained in the Organon of Medicine, aphorism 9 describes “Health is a condition of harmony between vital force, body, and mind, where the vital force keeps the body functioning in harmony to promote the body’s own healing mechanisms, bringing harmony and balance back into balance. The behavioural disorders stem from past misconduct, physical or mental injury, and environmental factors. To identify core symptoms, analyse the child’s emotional and behavioural state, delve into their medical history, personality traits, stressors, and lifestyle. The focus extends beyond just mental symptoms to encompass the child as a whole.2
Webster’s Universal Dictionary defines temperament as a combination of qualities that form an individual’s character and predispose their behaviour. Every child has certain traits or temperaments that may hinder their growth. For instance, some children cling strongly to their mother while sleeping, others may react to anger by breaking things or hitting others, and some may be so shy that they hide from strangers.
From a homoeopathic perspective, this approach can help children with issues like separation and anticipatory anxiety, social interaction difficulties, confidence problems, aggressive behaviours, and concentration issues. It may also address physical symptoms linked to emotional struggles, such as bedwetting, nightmares, sleep problems, stomach aches, skin rashes, and recurrent infections..
Miasmatic Analysis Of Somatoform Disease
In the Organon of Medicine, in the aphorisms 210, 222, 228, which classify mental disease as a Psoric origin, these somato-psychotic disorders are characterised by vague symptoms with no definite diagnosis and no abnormal investigation, so they are considered as a functional disorder.8
The treatment involves selecting remedies based on a detailed understanding of the individual’s unique symptom presentation, emotional state, and physical characteristics.
Table 2: Selected Homoeopathic Remedies for Bullying-Related Mental Health Symptoms in Children [ 13, 14 ]
| Mental Health Symptom/Condition | Common Homoeopathic Remedies | Key Indications/Symptom Picture |
| Anxiety | Aconite | Sudden, intense fear/panic (even fear of death), restlessness, agitation, palpitations, shortness of breath, fear during exams, ailments from fright/shock. |
| Argentum Nitricum | Apprehension, stage fright, anticipatory anxiety (fear of failure, social situations), agitation, hurriedness, stomach upset with belching. | |
| Arsenicum Album | Deep anxiety about health, obsessive concern with order/security, restlessness, panic attacks (often around midnight), digestive problems, and asthma with anxiety. | |
| Kali Phosphoricum | Anxiety from exhaustion (overwork/illness), inability to cope, jumpiness, oversensitivity, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, and nervous digestive upsets. | |
| Lycopodium | Anxiety from mental stress, lack of inner confidence, self-consciousness, feeling intimidated, may be compensated by being domineering/bravado, or anticipatory anxiety. | |
| Phosphorus | Open-hearted, imaginative, excitable, easily startled, intense, vivid fears, anxiety triggered by thoughts, seeks company/reassurance, easy flushing, thirst for cold drinks. | |
| Pulsatilla | Insecurity, clinginess, need for constant support/comforting, moodiness, tearfulness, whiny, emotionally childish, anxiety from separation/abandonment. | |
| Depression | Ignatia Amara | Emotional distress after loss, grief, emotional trauma, heartbreak, emotional instability, weeping in bursts, contradictory behaviour. |
| Natrum Muriaticum | Internalised deep sadness, emotional withdrawal, difficulty expressing feelings, dwelling on past hurts, holding grudges, sensitivity to loss, craving salty foods, migraines, cold sores, and insomnia. | |
| Aurum Metallicum | Severe, chronic depression, deep despair, feelings of worthlessness, profound hopelessness, heavy sense of duty/responsibility, fear of failure, insomnia, and deep bone pains. | |
| Magnesium Muriaticum | Strong tendency to depression, “long-suffering” appearance, fatigue, weakness, intolerance for quarrelling, peacemaker, feeling friendless, oversensitive to noise, unrefreshed sleep. | |
| Trauma/PTSD | Arnica | Physical and mental traumas, shock states, frightful dreams, denial of injury, aversion to touch. |
| Phosphoric Acid | Exhaustion and debilitation of mind/body after trauma, isolation in communication, difficulty gathering thoughts/words, worry/anxiety about loved ones affecting sleep. | |
| Low Self-Esteem/Confidence | Lycopodium | Feelings of inadequacy, lack of self-confidence, may overcompensate by being domineering/bravado, inner sense of weakness, shyness, or intellectual reserve. |
Role of Conventional Mental Health Interventions
This complexity strongly indicates that no single intervention will be sufficient to address the full spectrum of challenges. Conventional, evidence-based approaches like psychotherapy (e.g., CBT, family therapy), social skills training, and, where clinically indicated, medication, are designed to address different aspects of these complex issues and have demonstrated efficacy.3
Prevention Seeks Better Assessment
Addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by school bullying requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders.
- Emotional Regulation and Support: Parents must manage their own emotions, avoid overreacting, and, critically, never blame the child who is being bullied.
- Advocacy and Communication: Parents must communicate factual information about bullying incidents to school authorities, teachers, or coaches promptly and clearly.1
- Fostering Inclusion and Self-Worth: Reinforce a child’s inherent worth and capabilities to counter the corrosive effects of bullying on self-esteem.
- Vigilance and Early Intervention: Be vigilant for any signs that a child is being bullied, which can manifest physically, emotionally, socially, or academically.7 Early recognition and intervention are key to mitigating long-term harm. 6
Conclusion
This report underscores that school bullying is a pervasive and severe public health issue with profound, lasting mental health, social, academic, and developmental consequences for victims, bullies, and bystanders alike. The impacts, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal ideation, can extend well into adulthood, necessitating comprehensive and timely intervention. The complex interplay between pre-existing trauma and bullying further highlights the need for trauma-informed approaches in addressing these challenges, recognising that the societal burden of unaddressed bullying is substantial. Homoeopathy offers a safe, natural substitute for conventional drugs, which many parents prefer for their holistic, least invasive medical practices due to worries about possible side effects or long-term repercussions. Furthermore, because homoeopathic therapies are non-invasive, they help children receiving therapy feel comfortable and trusted, which lowers resistance and anxiety that are frequently connected to medical interventions.
Refrences
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- Handbook on homoeopathy for mother and child care; Central Council for research in Homoeopathy; New Delhi – 2008; pg no.5,6.
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- 14. Boericke, William: Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica and Repertory. B. Jain Publishers, New Delhi, 200215.
- Kent, James Tyler: Repertory of the Homoeopathic Materia Medica, ed. 6. B. Jain Publishers, New Delhi, 2004
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