Bullying is repeated aggressive behavior that can present in the form of threats, physical assault, and intimidation that is intentional and involves a difference in power and/or strength.
Bullying is a common experience for many children and adolescents. Surveys indicate that as many as half of all children are bullied at some time during their school years, and at least 10% are bullied on a regular basis.
Bullying behavior can be physical, verbal, or electronic. Boys tend to use physical intimidation or threats, regardless of the gender of their victims. Bullying by girls is more often verbal, usually with another girl as the target. Bullying has even been reported in online chat rooms, through e-mail and on social networking sites.
Children who are bullied experience real suffering that can interfere with their social and emotional development, as well as their school performance. Some victims of bullying have even attempted suicide rather than continue to endure such harassment and punishment.
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Why is bullying such an important problem?
What are some warning signs that a child is being bullied?
What can I do if my child is being bullied?
What can I do if my child bullies others?
How can I best work with my child's school to address bullying?
AACAP's Facts for Families provide concise up-to-date information on issues that affect children, teenagers, and their families.
Children's Threats: When Are They Serious?
Children With Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Understanding Violent Behavior In Children And Adolescents
When To Seek Help For Your Child
Coming Soon!
AACAP Policies:
AACAP Practice Parameters
- Anxiety Disorders
- The Assessment of Children and Adolescents
- Conduct Disorder
- Depressive Disorders
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Suicidal Behavior
Joint Development of Bullying and Victimization in Adolescence: Relations to Delinquency and Self-Harm
Edward D. Barker, Louise Arseneault, Mara Brendgen, Nathalie Fontaine, Barbara Maughan
Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
September 2008 (Vol. 47, Issue 9, Pages 1030-1038)
School, Neighborhood, and Family Factors Are Associated With Children's Bullying Involvement: A Nationally Representative Longitudinal Study
Lucy Bowes, Louise Arseneault, Barbara Maughan, Alan Taylor, Avshalom Caspi, Terrie E. Moffitt
Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
May 2009 (Vol. 48, Issue 5, Pages 545-553)
Bullying, Depression, and Suicidality in Adolescents
Anat Brunstein Klomek, Frank Marrocco, Marjorie Kleinman, Irvin S. Schonfeld, Madelyn S. Gould
Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
January 2007 (Vol. 46, Issue 1, Pages 40-49)
Childhood Bullying Behaviors as a Risk for Suicide Attempts and Completed Suicides: A Population-Based Birth Cohort Study
Anat Brunstein Klomek, Andre Sourander, Solja Niemelä, Kirsti Kumpulainen, Jorma Piha, Tuula Tamminen, Fredrik Almqvist, Madelyn S. Gould
Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
March 2009 (Vol. 48, Issue 3, Pages 254-261)
Cyberbullying: Bullying in the Digital Age
Bryan Pridgen
Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
March 2009 (Vol. 48, Issue 3, Pages 344-346)
AACAP's books: Your Child and Your Adolescent offer easy-to-understand and comprehensive information on the emotional development and behavior of children from infancy through the teen years.
"Odd Girl Out," the 2002 bestselling book by Rachel Simmons poignantly describes the "hidden culture of aggression in girls"; aggression that is widespread and painful. Included in the book are real-life stories, social issues, and the hidden jealousies, competition and emotional abuse even amongst close friends beginning at the late elementary school age. Not included in the book are the current issues of cyberbullying and impact of social networking sites.
Bullying is a complex problem that can involve not only your child, but also the staff and faculty of your child's school. Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists are trained to look out for signs that your child is the victim of bullying. If you are a concerned parent, they can help you take the proper plan of action to make sure your child gets all the support he or she needs to stay resilient and confident. Please check the link below to navigate through our various Advocacy efforts.
www.aacap.org/cs/advocacy
Click here to find out what is going on in your state around anti-bullying legislation.
Services in School for Children With Special Needs
Understanding Your Mental Health Insurance
Related Websites
StopBullying.gov
Olweus Bullying Prevention Program
Pacer's National Bullying Prevention Center
California Department of Education, Bullying
