BMJ 1995;310:1065-1066 (22 April)

Letters

Bullying in schools

A more aggressive preventive strategy is required

EDITOR,--Judith Dawkins's editorial reminds us of the entirely preventable morbidity of bullying.1 In Britain the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children got its charter in 1889, 67 years after legislation was enacted to protect animals. It has taken another 100 years to recognise bullying as another form of child abuse. For doctors and others working with children to make an impact on bullying, however, Dawkins's suggestions do not go far enough.

To suggest, for instance, that victims should "be advised of simple measures" such as "ignoring name calling . . . and telling someone" is only a short step away from blaming the victim for his or her predicament. If doctors and nurses are to help the child then they need to address the school environment that tolerates bullying. They should do more than inform parents and advise them to . . . [Full text of this article]


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Relevant Article

Bullying in schools: doctors' responsibilities
Judith Dawkins
BMJ 1995 310: 274-275. [Extract] [Full Text]

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