There are tests being done on the effects of bullying with mice. Mice have similar responses to those of human beings. During this bullying research, it was discovered that the bullied mice reacted with actions that showed increased anxiety. Uh…hello?
When mice were exposed to repeated bullying events, they experienced increased anxiety levels that time didn’t help. Specifically, after several days of being in a safe environment, the anxiety level in the mice did not improve.
In fact, the mice who were bullied became incapable of reacting normally to friendly mice when they were introduced to them. Sadly, the bullied mice stood like statues in the far corner of the cages.
There are several parts of this study with which I am uncomfortable
1. It saddens me to think any animal is subjected to intentional bullying.
2. It saddens me to comprehend how devastating the results of these studies are in proving damage to the psyche of bullied children.
3. It saddens me to learn that yet another long term effect of being bullied is an inability to welcome new friends. How sad it is that a bullied child can turn away the one thing that can help their anxiety?
The great part of this study showed that the effect of negative experiences can be mended by positive experiences. The lesson to be learned is that when bullied children learn to welcome the support of loyal friends, their wounds begin to heal.
Photo: Joe Shlabotnik
