Bullying Trends, Correlates, Consequences, and Characteristics

Bullying is regarded as a significant problem in the US among school-aged youth. Rates for bullying among school-age youth range from 10 % to 30 % internationally with a notable increase during the middle school years. Rates appear to vary across sex and race/ethnicity. Many studies report that boys are more likely to engage in physical bullying than girls. Several national and international research studies have documented that experiences of being victimized or bullying other students are associated with decreased academic achievement. Although there is fairly consistent evidence that there is increased suicide risk for those involved in bullying, evidence suggests that risk might vary for youth who are bullies, victims, and bully-victims. Only recently, have studies examined the link between bullying involvement and later delinquency and/or criminal behavior. Bullies and children who are victimized by bullying are heterogeneous groups.