Download Today`s piece was prepared by Christina Chao, based on a story in

Today’s piece was prepared by Christina Chao, MD based on a CNN story entitled “When a
Bullied Kid Grows Up”
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/10/08/bullying.health.effects/index.html?hpt=C2
The article tells a story of a 57 year old man who was bullied since the 5th grade and who now
feels his current anger and fear resulted from those childhood events, minimizing his interactions
with others. Bullying is “a repeated, harmful, aggressive act in a situation where there is an
imbalance of power." The article remarks that victims of bullying may display symptoms of
psychological or physical distress such as becoming withdrawn, depressed, anxious, insomnia
and contemplate suicide. In addition, the article states that a history of bullying can affect how
adults feel about themselves and their ability to form relationships. Bullying is a widespread
problem with up to 35% of girls and 45% of boys are affected by bullying across different
countries (1). Children with special needs such as autism, attention deficient disorder or learning
disabilities are at higher risk for bullying (2). Recent media news reports bullying victims
committing suicide.
Professional views regarding bullying have changed recently due to increased research and
public awareness. The article uses anecdotes from adults bullied as children and their personal
explanations of their current behavioral and emotional challenges. This approach may diminish
authenticity, as it’s not scientifically valid. Still, their perspectives are consistent with findings from
well-designed research. As physicians we can help by asking questions during well child visits
about school, friends, and lunchtime activities, or consider psychosocial causes to unexplained
headaches and stomachaches. Management is multi-pronged, but may involve educators,
parents, the child, peers and ourselves. Mental health clinicians may also be considered.
Strategies to pre-empt or disrupt bullying are not obvious to victims or parents, and well-intended
recommendations can backfire. We as clinicians can help direct families to good-quality,
evidence-based resources, as educate ourselves, on proven approaches. Consider the following:
RESOURCES ON BULLYING
 Stop Bullying Now Program for kids and parents from the US Department of Health and
Human Services www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/kids/
 School wide program to stop bullying www.clemson.edu/olweus/
 Find Youth Info http://www.findyouthinfo.gov/youthtopics.shtml Federal program whose
goal is positive, healthy outcomes for youth
References
1. Craig W et al. Bullying; Victimization; Prevalence rates; Country comparison. (2009)
International Journal of Public Health. 54 (Supplement 2) 216-224.
2. Twyman K et al. Bullying and Ostracism Experiences in Children with Special Health Care
Needs (2010) Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 31(1):1-8
3 .Glew GM et al. Bullying, psychosocial adjustment, and academic performance in
elementary school. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2005;159:1026-1031. UWA Library Holdings
4. Olweus D and Limber SP. Bullying in School: Evaluation and Dissemination of the Olweus
Bullying Prevention Program Bullying and Ostracism Experiences in Children With Special
Health Care Needs. (2010) American Journal of Orthopsychiatry. 80(1):124-134 5.
Kumpulainen K. Psychiatric conditions associatied with bullying. (2008) Int J Adolesc Med
Health. 20(2):121-32. (Abstract only)
And that’s today’s Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics: IN THE NEWS!