Children who are both bullies and are bullied may be at greatest risk of psychological symptoms

Bullying is associated with poor health. Two papers this week explore the extent of this effect. In their study of almost 4000 school students in New South Wales Forero et al found that one in three were bullied (p 344). Students who both bullied and were bullied had the greatest number of psychological and psychosomatic symptoms. In Finland Kaltiala-Heino looked at the associations between being a bully, being bullied, and being depressed or having suicidal thoughts among over 16 000 adolescents aged 14-16 (p 348). Bullying seemed to be strongly associated with depression and severe suicidal ideation. Depression occurred equally often among bullies and those who bullied, and severe suicidal ideation occurred most commonly among bullies.

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Relevant Articles

Bullying behaviour and psychosocial health among school students in New South Wales, Australia: cross sectional survey

Roberto Forero, Lyndall McLellan, Chris Rissel, and Adrian Bauman
BMJ 1999 319: 344-348. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Bullying, depression, and suicidal ideation in Finnish adolescents: school survey

Riittakerttu Kaltiala-Heino, Matti Rimpelä, Mauri Marttunen, Arja Rimpelä, and Päivi Rantanen
BMJ 1999 319: 348-351. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]