ADHD and Bullying

fayemillner
Oct 2
2 min read

Bullying is sadly a common experience for many young people, with over half reporting being bullied or witnessing bullying in the past year. For children with ADHD, the risk is even higher - they are more than three times as likely to bully others and over ten times as likely to be bullied themselves.

Why are children with ADHD more vulnerable?

Children with ADHD often face challenges with attention, impulsivity, and social skills. These difficulties can make it harder to pick up on social cues, manage frustration, and navigate peer relationships. As a result, they may be targeted by bullies, or react in ways that can escalate conflict.

Types of bullying

Bullying can take many forms, including:

Physical bullying – hitting, pushing, or taking belongings
Verbal bullying – name-calling or threats
Social bullying – exclusion or spreading rumours
Cyberbullying – harassment through texts, social media, or online platforms

The impact of bullying

Bullying can leave lasting emotional scars. Children who are bullied often experience anxiety, sadness, poor self-esteem, and academic difficulties. In some cases, persistent bullying can lead to depression or self-harm. Children with ADHD may also retaliate, creating a cycle where they are both bullied and seen as bullies.

How parents can help

Take concerns seriously – listen to your child without blame.
Reassure them – remind your child that help is available.
Teach assertiveness – encourage calm, confident responses without aggression.
Address cyberbullying – supervise online activity, avoid replying to nasty messages, and use reporting tools.
Work with the school – every school should have an anti-bullying policy in place.

If your child is bullying others

This can be difficult for parents to hear, but it’s important to address. Help your child understand the harm caused, support them to develop healthier coping strategies, and work with the school to resolve issues.

If you’re concerned about bullying or ADHD and would like tailored support for your child, please contact us through the website.