The link between bullying and suicide |06 January 2017

The newly formed association ‘Stand up, Step up – Seychelles’, which deals with bullying, has sparked an energetic conversation about the topic between young Seychellois on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Not only is bullying an adverse experience, but there appears to be a variety of potential short- and long-term psychological as well as somatic effects. The psychological after-effects may include social difficulties, internalising symptoms, anxiety and depression, suicidal ideation, and eating disorders. In addition, various types of psychosomatic symptoms may be experienced. Being alert to these associations in both mental health and primary care settings may expedite the identification of bullying victims and the subsequent eradication of these abusive experiences. Part of the conversation on social media touched on the sensitive issue of suicide as a result of bullying.

It is believed that there is a link between bullying and suicide. This is primarily because being bullied leads to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, both of which can contribute to suicidal thoughts. While there is no conclusive evidence yet that bullying “causes” suicide, the close association between being bullied and having suicidal thoughts means parents, teachers and administrators should closely monitor bullying behaviour so they can put an end to it, and should watch known victims closely.

Children, as well as adults, should be educated about the relationship between suicide and bullying, to help them understand (as bullies, as victims and as observers) that this is not a harmless behaviour, but one with serious consequences. Opening up the conversation and trusting young people with this information will help them, not harm them.

Bullying is a serious issue with serious impacts on victims, bullies and bystanders. Part of the problem is a culture of inaction, left over from the old days when bullying was freely tolerated. Given the tragic results for children and adults, however, it is important to defeat this viewpoint once and for all and see bullying for the insidious problem it is. As a youth myself I urge my fellow peers to take responsibility and start spreading positivity.

Quoting the chairperson of Stand up Step Up - Seychelles himself, Trevor Louise, he made it very clear that the aim of the association is “to empower young people to empower one another”. In our current time and age it is indeed vital that we take a stand and fight for what we believe in, and bullying is certainly not an issue to turn the other leaf on. This form of abuse can negatively impact an individual both physically and mentally. Hence we need to be very much aware of the consequences of such a rancorous plague.

Stanio Sally