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MANCHESTER, UK – A significant new study from the University of Manchester has revealed the profound negative impact of bullying on the mental health of teenagers, particularly boys, underscoring the urgent need for more effective prevention strategies in schools.
The research, published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, analyzed #BeeWell data from over 26,000 young people followed from ages 12/13 to 14/15. It found a strong link between bullying and internalizing symptoms such as anxiety and depression in adolescents, emphasizing the importance of addressing bullying to protect young people’s well-being.
The study also highlighted key differences in how bullying affects boys and girls. For boys, pre-existing mental health issues like anxiety and depression increased their vulnerability to being bullied later on. In contrast, girls who were bullied experienced subsequent reductions in friendships and social support. These findings emphasize the crucial role of positive peer relationships, especially for girls, as a protective factor against mental health problems, suggesting that strong social support can mitigate internalizing symptoms.
Researchers stressed that addressing bullying requires a comprehensive, whole-school approach involving children, parents, and teachers. Schools need to implement robust anti-bullying programs tailored to the specific needs of both boys and girls, focusing on fostering positive peer relationships and providing support for those experiencing mental health challenges.
The study calls for increased resource allocation from education, health, and government agencies to ensure widespread and effective prevention programs. By understanding the complex interplay between bullying, mental health, and social relationships, safer and more supportive environments for adolescents can be created.
Parents are also encouraged to be aware of the impact of bullying on their children’s mental health and actively support their children’s friendships.
“Our research provides important new evidence about the devastating impact of bullying on adolescent mental health,” says Dr. Qiqi Cheng, lead author. “There is an urgent need for effective interventions that address the unique challenges faced by boys and girls during a critical developmental period in their lives.”
The study, titled “Longitudinal Relationships Across Bullying Victimization, Friendship and Social Support, and Internalizing Symptoms in Early-to-Middle Adolescence: A Developmental Cascades Investigation,” is published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s10964-024-02131-2
