children s health issues
Violent Behavior in Children and Adolescents
Bullying
 Bullying is intentional infliction of psychologic or physical damage on less powerful children. Up to one third of children may be involved in bullying as bullies, victims, or both. Social stresses, such as low family income and low parent education levels, are risk factors for bullying. Bullying can take several forms, including Repeated teasing Threats or intimidation Harassment Violent assaults Cyberbullying (use of e-mail, texting, social media, and other digital communication tools to threaten and/or spread hurtful information) "Sexting," which is the act of sharing sexually charged messages or photographs (usually via cell phone), can be a form of cyberbullying if the messages or photographs are purposefully shared with other people to embarrass or harm the child who originated or appeared in the message or photograph. Bullies act to inflate their sense of self-worth. They often report that bullying creates feelings of power and control. Victims often tell no one about being bullied because they are ashamed, because they feel that nothing will be done, or because they fear the bully will retaliate. Children who are bullied may reach a breaking point, at which time they strike back with potentially dangerous or catastrophic results. Both bullies and their victims are at risk of poor outcomes. Victims are at risk of physical injury, poor self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and school absence. Many victims of bullying become bullies themselves. Bullies are more likely to be imprisoned in later life. Bullies are less likely to remain in school, be employed, or have stable relationships as adults. 