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Bullying Impacts Mental Health of Children and Teens: Study

Bullying Impacts Mental Health of Children and Teens
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Bullying can cause long-term physical and mental damage on the health of children and adolescents, according to a recent study.

 A study by the Boston Children's Hospital (published in the Journal Pediatrics) analyzed the effects of bullying on the mental and physical health of children and teens. The researchers interviewed 4297 children and teens between fifth and tenth grades from Los Angeles, Houston and Birmingham in Alabama. They noted the past and present bullying experiences of the participants. Nearly 44.6 percent reported to be victims of bullying both now and in the past, 30.6 percent said they were still bullied and 12.1 percent were bullied in the past and 6.5 percent said they were never bullied.  

 The study found bullying at any age was linked to worsening mental and physical health. Participants who were bullied in the past and present exhibited depressive symptoms and lower-self worth. Children who faced severe peer victimization or bullying also reported difficulties in performing physical activities and involvement in sports. The researchers believe the effects of recent bullying events are more important than the ones from the past as the impact on mental and physical health compounds over time and persists even after bullying has ended.

Laura Bogart, PhD, from Boston Children's Division of Pediatrics said in a news release carried by PR newswire, "Our research shows that long-term bullying has a severe impact on a child's overall health, and its negative effects can accumulate and get worse with time."

The study emphasizes the need for early and repeated intervention to stop bullying and address its continuous effects on the health of children.

"There's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to addressing bullying. But providing teachers, parents and clinicians with evidence-based best practices, they would be better equipped to assist those at the frontlines helping children cope with this serious problem and lessen the damage," said Bogart

Feb 17, 2014 09:51 AM EST By

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