What is bullying?

Abstract

Bullying is a major public health problem affecting 20% of children in the United States and the United Kingdom. With the proliferation of online electronic and social media use among children, cyberbullying has become more pervasive in recent years and poses its own unique challenges in detection and intervention. Both bullying and cyberbullying cause long-term biological and psychological consequences for all those involved including victims, bully/victims and bullies. Clinicians who treat paediatric patients play a crucial role in not only screening for and addressing the impacts of bullying in their clinical settings, but can also help advocate for evidence-based anti-bullying programs and policies. In addition to clinicians, this issue demands the concerted and coordinated efforts of all those who are concerned with the care of children including teachers, school administrators, educators, and policy makers. This article aims to offer an introduction to identifying and screening for bullying and cyberbullying as well as approaches to addressing these issues in our clinics, schools, and the community at large.