PTSD from Bullying: Signs, Impact & How to Help Your Child

Bullying can be one of the most painful experiences a child can go through, and unfortunately, it’s all too common. While some kids can move on after it ends, others may carry the emotional impact for years. Bullying is so harmful that it can create the same psychological effects as any other traumatic event, and some children may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from it.

This article explores the link between bullying and PTSD symptoms, including how bullying can lead to PTSD, what signs to look for in children and teens, and what you can do to help.

How bullying can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Research has found that, like any other traumatic event, the impact of bullying lasts long after the aggression stops — even into adulthood. Specifically, bullying is directly linked with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop when someone has been through a traumatic event, typically a shocking, dangerous, or life-threatening experience that causes physical, emotional, or spiritual harm. 

Research shows that bullying and PTSD symptoms have a direct link, even when accounting for other factors. It can also increase loneliness and social anxiety, which are additional risk factors for PTSD.

Being the victim of bullying means going through traumatic experiences repeatedly, usually over a long period of time.

Even if the bullying isn’t physical, it can still be intensely traumatic and have lasting negative consequences. It’s considered an adverse childhood experience or an ACE. 

Bullying is traumatic because it makes a child feel unsafe in their everyday environment, whether at school, online, or even in their social circles. It creates a constant sense of fear and powerlessness, which can change how a child’s brain responds to stress over time.

High rates of PTSD have also been found in bullies themselves, although it’s hard to know which phenomenon comes first. For example, traumatized children may be more likely to bully others.

What is bullying?

Bullying is a form of interpersonal aggression that’s repeated over time. Sadly, it’s incredibly common, with around one in five students in grades 6 to 12 having been bullied during the 2021-2022 school year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that all bullying shares three unique traits that make it different from other types of aggression. These are:

1. It’s unwanted aggressive behavior. It causes harm or distress to the victim, whether that’s physical, emotional, or psychological.
2. There’s often some sort of power imbalance between the bully and the victim. For example, the victim might be smaller in size, younger, or have less of a support system.
3. The aggression is repeated and consistent. It’s not just a one-time occurrence. Bullying happens regularly over time.

Bullying isn’t just about physical violence, and it can show up in many different ways. There are four main types of bullying, including:

1. Physical bullying: This is the type of bullying that’s often shown in movies, like shoving someone into a locker or knocking them down. It’s harmful, but other forms of bullying can be just as harmful.
2. Verbal bullying: This includes name-calling, taunting, teasing, or making threats. It can be just as damaging as physical bullying because it targets a child’s self-esteem and sense of safety.
3. Social (relational) bullying: This form of bullying happens when a child is intentionally excluded or humiliated in front of others. It can look like spreading rumors, turning friends against someone, or publicly embarrassing them.
4. Cyberbullying: This happens online, through texts, social media, or other digital platforms. Cyberbullying can be relentless because it follows children home. Reports show it’s becoming increasingly common.

Recognizing PTSD symptoms in children and teens

Not all young victims of bullying will develop PTSD, although the experience will probably affect their mental health in some way. It’s estimated that around 40% of girls and 27% of boys who’ve been bullied will experience PTSD-related symptoms. 

It’s important for parents and teachers to be aware of the signs of PTSD and how it presents in young people. This can help you to take action and connect the child with the mental health support that they need to overcome these experiences and thrive.

In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), PTSD symptoms are divided into four categories:

1. Intrusive thoughts and images: This can include things like nightmares about the bullying, as well as intrusive memories and flashbacks when awake. Children with PTSD often have bad dreams in general, not necessarily about specific events.
2. Avoidance: Children and teens with PTSD also tend to avoid thinking about or being reminded of the event. For example, they might refuse to talk about it with trusted adults. Many children also avoid going to school, even after the bullying has stopped.
3. Impacts on thoughts and mood: You might notice that the child seems depressed or agitated. They might also experience cognitive effects, like not being able to concentrate or having a hard time remembering details about the bullying. It’s common for children with PTSD to start having negative self-beliefs, like “I am bad” or “This is my fault.”
4. Arousal and reactivity: Children with PTSD tend to be more hypervigilant, which means that they’re extra-aware of their surroundings. They might have an exaggerated startle response. Many children have angry outbursts as a result of PTSD.

Here are some of the key signs of PTSD and what to look out for in children and teens.

• Frequent nightmares or trouble sleeping: Kids may wake up frightened, drenched in sweat, or afraid to go back to bed because of recurring nightmares or racing thoughts. Over time, poor sleep can make them more irritable, anxious, and withdrawn during the day.
• Fear of going to school or being around peers: If your child suddenly refuses to go to school or claims to feel sick every morning, it could be a sign of avoidance linked to trauma. They may fear encountering the bully again or worry that no one will protect them if something happens.
• Sudden mood swings or irritability: Children with PTSD often go from calm to angry or tearful in moments that seem minor to adults. These emotional shifts can be triggered by reminders of the bullying or by feeling unsafe in social settings.
• Withdrawing from friends or activities they used to enjoy: You might notice your child spending more time alone, declining playdates, or losing interest in hobbies they once loved. This isolation can be a way to avoid painful memories or protect themselves from further hurt.
• Difficulty concentrating or completing schoolwork: PTSD can cause intrusive thoughts or hypervigilance that make it nearly impossible to focus. Teachers might describe your child as “zoning out” or “daydreaming,” when in reality they’re mentally replaying distressing experiences.
• Avoiding talking about certain people or places: Children may become visibly uncomfortable or change the subject when someone mentions the bully or school. Avoidance can also look like refusing to go to certain areas on campus or skipping events where the bully might be present.
• Physical complaints like stomachaches or headaches with no clear cause: Stress from trauma often shows up in the body. Frequent unexplained aches, nausea, or fatigue can be signs that your child’s nervous system is stuck in a heightened state of alert.

The emotional and physical impact of school bullying‐related PTSD

When a child or teen develops PTSD symptoms due to bullying, it’s not just about the symptoms of PTSD itself. These symptoms can have a ripple effect, affecting every area of their lives.

For example:

• It’s common for PTSD to cause trouble sleeping, and sleep deprivation is linked to so many physical and mental health problems, including weakened immunity and increased anxiety.
• PTSD can cause difficulty with concentration and learning. This can cause the child to struggle academically and fall behind their peers, leaving them feeling even more isolated or inadequate.
• They may experience chronic stress, which can lead to physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, or fatigue.
• Social relationships can suffer, since children with PTSD often find it difficult to trust others or feel safe in groups.

Complex PTSD from bullying victimization

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (also known as C-PTSD) isn’t in the DSM, but it’s widely recognized by mental health professionals. This is a specific type of PTSD that’s caused by long-term, repeated trauma like bullying. People who go through repeated occurrences of trauma can develop unique symptoms that people who experience a one-time traumatic event (like a school shooting) don’t. 

Children who are victimized by bullying, especially over a long period of time, may be likely to develop additional symptoms of complex PTSD (on top of the officially recognized symptoms of PTSD listed in the DSM). 

These unique symptoms of complex PTSD are:

• Difficulty managing emotions: Children with C-PTSD may have intense emotional reactions that feel hard to control. They might cry easily, have angry outbursts, or seem emotionally “numb.”
• Problems with self-worth: Often, prolonged trauma happens within relationships (like bullying or child abuse). Children who endure it can develop feelings of chronic worthlessness or shame. They might have thoughts like “I deserved it” or “No one will ever like me.”
• Difficulties in relationships: Lastly, children who have C-PTSD may have chronic and persistent troubles with interpersonal relationships. For example, they might struggle to make or keep friends because they expect to be hurt or rejected.

When children who are bullied develop symptoms of C-PTSD, it can be even more complex, but not impossible, to overcome. 

Assessment and when to seek help

If you think your child might be getting bullied, it’s important to intervene right away. Even if symptoms are mild or not yet meeting full PTSD criteria, supporting them early on can help prevent them from developing it (or any other mental health conditions) in the future.

If bullying is happening at school, your first step as a parent is often to talk to your child’s teacher or school counselor (or another professional on campus who helps students with emotional well-being). This can address the bullying itself and start the conversation about mental health support.

Children who are victims of bullying often need more mental health support than schools are able to provide. The school might refer you to a local or online therapist who specializes in treating childhood PTSD. You can also talk to your child’s pediatrician, who can provide more information and refer you to additional support.

Licensed mental health professionals can assess for PTSD in many ways. There’s no single test to diagnose PTSD. Providers will talk to your child and ask them questions to understand their situation. They might also ask you questions to get a better picture of what’s going on. Sometimes, they may ask you or your child’s teacher to complete clinical questionnaires. 

All of these strategies help child mental health professionals to understand your child and determine whether they’re experiencing PTSD or any other mental health struggles.

Evidence-based treatment strategies

If your child does get diagnosed with PTSD, it’s understandable to feel frightened as a parent. Luckily, PTSD is a treatable condition. There are evidence-based methods that have been found to help children deal with the trauma of bullying and start feeling safe again.

Trauma-focused CBT

Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has the strongest evidence base for treating PTSD in children and teens. In this method, therapists helps children process and reframe traumatic memories. They teach coping skills for anxiety and emotional regulation, and work with parents to reinforce safety and support at home.

EMDR

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, or EMDR, is an evidence-based treatment method for trauma that uses eye movements to help children process traumatic memories of bullying. It can be especially helpful for children who are reluctant to talk about bullying. In some studies, EMDR has been shown to reduce trauma-related distress more quickly than some traditional approaches.

Medication management

Usually, PTSD in children is treated through therapy. Medication for PTSD has not been found to be as helpful for children and teens. In some more severe cases, a mental health professional might recommend trying medications like antidepressants to help with managing some of the symptoms of PTSD. But generally, this recommendation is only given after long-term therapy hasn’t worked.

PTSD also often co-occurs with other mental health conditions, like depression and anxiety. Research shows that it’s very common for children and teens to develop depression after trauma. Antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be helpful for managing symptoms of depression.

Complementary supports 

On top of professional treatment, it can also help your child to have lifestyle tools to help them manage the effects of PTSD. For example, helping them to learn mindfulness or relaxation exercises can teach them how to calm their nervous system and make it easier to fall asleep or focus during the day. Physical activity, such as biking, dancing, or even short walks outside, can lower stress hormones and provide a healthy outlet for pent-up energy. 

Creating a safe and supportive environment

Even if your child gets PTSD treatment, if bullying is ongoing or the child continues to feel unsafe, then symptoms may not go away. One of the best ways you can support your child is by creating a safe environment at home where they don’t face this ongoing trauma.

• Keep communication open: Talk to your child every day about their feelings and experiences, even if it’s just for a moment. Showing that you’ll listen without judgment helps them feel secure enough to share what’s really going on.
• Validate their emotions: When your child expresses fear, sadness, or anger, avoid minimizing it. Instead, let them know those feelings make sense given what they’ve been through.
• Limit screen time and monitor online activity: If cyberbullying is part of the issue, setting gentle boundaries around social media can reduce exposure to harmful interactions. Encourage your child to take digital breaks and engage in offline activities that build confidence.
• Collaborate with the school: Report bullying incidents to teachers, counselors, and administrators, and document what happens. Ask what specific safety measures can be put in place, such as increased supervision or changes to seating.
• Model calm and empathy: Children look to their parents to gauge safety. Staying composed, even when you’re upset, helps your child learn that they can handle difficult emotions too.
• If you’re a teacher: Create inclusive classroom environments that discourage exclusion and mockery. Make sure students know how to report bullying safely, and respond quickly and consistently when it occurs, so victims feel protected.

Next steps: Get online therapy for child PTSD and bullying

If your child has experienced bullying and shows signs of PTSD, it’s important to know that effective help is available. Online therapy can connect your family with licensed child therapists who specialize in trauma and bullying. It’s often more accessible and less intimidating for children, especially those who feel anxious about meeting in person.

Early intervention can make a huge difference. Getting your child the right care now can prevent symptoms from getting worse and help them rebuild confidence and trust.

You can start today by connecting with an online therapist who understands how trauma affects children and helps your child feel safe again. Emora Health’s licensed online therapists specialize in mental health concerns in children and teens, including PTSD. 

Get in touch to see a child therapist who accepts insurance in as little as within 48 hours.