Prerna Uppal, New Delhi: Their antics may entertain children on TV, but experts find that it is not just a few laughs, it is damaging when children take to adopting tactics of bullies in real life. They are at an increased risk of developing a mental health disorder.

And while bullying is by no means a new phenomenon, it certainly is widespread. “I get bullied by my seniors. They push us away when we are playing in the playground,” says a student.
 

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While another student adds, “I like bullying mostly girls, even my seniors juniors, every one!” “Seniors bully us. They take away our tiffins,” chips in another student.

Bullying is damaging however, not just for those being bullied, but also for bullies themselves. A new study, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that boys who habitually bullied others were more likely than their peers to be diagnosed with antisocial personality disorders as young men.

“There are neurochemical reasons like high dopamine levels and even testesterone in cases of bullying ‘Dopamine is one such chemical which seems to be on a high in such individuals.

At times they have higher levels of testosterone which is the main sex hormone,” says psychiatrist, Fortis Hospital, Dr Sameer Malhotra. As for those who are bullied, can grow up scarred. They may become passive aggressive at a young age and may grow to develop anxiety disorders as adults.

And contrary to popular belief, children don’t grow out the habit of bullying and may in fact need help. “The cognitive behaviour therapy focuses on challenging negative cognitive distortions, and that can help,” says Dr Sharma.

Barring serious cases, both bullies and victims can be helped out by supportive parents who keep lines of communication open. And do not forget that this lays the groundwork for the kind of adult your child grows into.