What are the potential effects of bullying on child development?

The selected answer is accurate because bullying has significant negative effects on child development, often leading to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem in victims. When children are bullied, they may experience chronic stress and fear, which can impede their emotional and psychological development. This distress can manifest in various ways, including withdrawal from social situations, an increase in feelings of worthlessness, and difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships.

Research extensively highlights that children who are bullied may struggle academically as their mental health declines. These negative experiences can also alter their perceptions of themselves and their abilities, further contributing to a cycle of low self-esteem. As children endure these challenges, the impact can affect not only their immediate well-being but also their long-term development and ability to cope with future stresses.

In contrast, the other options suggest positive outcomes that do not typically arise from experiences of bullying. For instance, increased social interaction and high self-esteem are generally characteristics found in healthy social environments, whereas bullying creates isolation and emotional distress. Similarly, improved emotional resilience is usually a result of supportive experiences and healthy coping strategies, which are often undermined by the harmful effects of bullying.