Bullying Means Children Face Long Lasting Mental and Physical Harm

A new study shows that children that face bullying, especially long-term, face lasting mental and physical problems.

The study was published online on Monday, February 17th, and will be featured in the March edition of the journal Pediatrics. Nearly 4,300 students attending public schools in Los Angeles, Houston, and Birmingham were surveyed. Led by Laura Bogart, from Boston Children’s Division of General Pediatrics, 5th, 7th, and 10th grade students were given a questionnaire to determine whether they had been picked on and how often. Researchers also spoke with students’ parents.

“Our research shows that long-term bullying has a severe impact on child’s overall health, and that its negative effects can accumulate and get worse with time,” says Bogart. “The results are a strong argument for an immediate, early intervention of bullying.”

By the 10th grade, 30% of students reported that they had been the victims of bullying, which meant that they were teased or physically pushed around at least once a week.

Victims of bullying had more depression symptoms than their peers, and lower self-esteem. They reported having difficulty doing “normal kid things” including playing sports or engaging in other physical activities. Kids that reported that they were chronically bullied were 45% more likely to have depression symptoms, compared with 31% for kids who reported “current” bullying, and 12% of kids who reportedly had been bullied in the past only.

Of students who had never been picked on, just 6% reported depression symptoms.

Bogart called for early bullying prevent programs in school and for greater awareness of symptoms – from cuts and bruises to emotional withdrawal – from parents, “because the sooner we stop a child from being bullied, the less likely bullying is to have a lasting, damaging effect on his or her health down the road.”

Bogart also suggested further studies into cyberbullying’s effects.

“There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to addressing bullying” Bogart added. “But providing teachers, parents and clinicians with best-practices that are evidence-based could better assist those at the front lines helping children cope with this serious problem and lessen the damage it causes.”

South Carolina Anti-Bullying Laws

In December 2006, the South Carolina General Assembly passed a law to prevent bullying, known as “The Safe School Climate Act.” The goal of the law is to put policies and procedures in place to prevent school bullying, intimidation or harassment.

While it is important to have safe guards in place to prevent school bullying, what is the school district’s liability if, in fact, a student is injured or taunted by a bully, or even worse, commits suicide? While The Safe School Climate Act does not create a private right of action for a victim of student bullying, it does not preempt a student from pursuing a civil action under another law.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Personal Injury Cases Involving Bullying

Lawsuits against bullying are increasing in the United States. Parents are doing their best to hold schools accountable for their children’s safety. It is important to take steps to resolve the issue to the best of your ability, but if your child has been bullied and you think school officials are not listening to your or taking your claims seriously, you may need to consider alternative action. Please contact the experienced lawyers at Strom Law, LLC, today. We offer free consultations to discuss the details of your case.803.252.4800.