Bearing witness to trauma has its own set of consequences. Watching repeated episodes of bullying can evoke strong emotional and behavioral responses from an adolescent.

During the impressionable stage of social development in adolescents, these experiences can contribute to a change in perception about the ways people should and do treat each other.

Furthermore, ongoing exposure to this behavior can jeopardize an adolescent's healthy social development.

For this Discussion, consider how the act of bullying experienced by one adolescent may change the experience of another who witnesses it.

Post a scenario that illustrates how bullying experienced by one adolescent may change the experience of another who witnesses it. Then address the availability of any social work intervention, skill, or practice that might change this cycle of events. Please use the Learning Resources to support your answer.

REFERENCES:

Zastrow, C. H., & Kirst-Ashman, K. K. (2016). Understanding human behavior and the social environment (10th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Chapter 8 (pp. 376-422)
Dempsey, A. G., Sulkowski, M. L., Nichols, R., & Storch, E. A. (2009). Differences between peer victimization in cyber and physical settings and associated psychosocial adjustment in early adolescence. Psychology in the Schools, 46(10), 962-972.

Glasser, L., & Keller, M. (2009). Are the competent the morally good? Perspective taking and moral motivation of children involved in bullying. Social Development, 18(4), 798-816.