Bullying Among U.S. Youth Tonja R. Nansel, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Fellow Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention Research National Institute of Child Health & Human Development

What is Bullying? Aggressive Behavior that: n Is specifically intended to harm the target n Occurs repeatedly over time n Is characterized by an imbalance of power (whether physical or psychological)

Why Study Bullying? n No nationwide data on the prevalence of bullying n Bullying reported as a significant problem by youth n International data suggests that bullying is an important problem

WHO Health Behavior in School Children n International collaborative study n Self-report survey n Measures a broad range of indicators of health n Nationwide representative sample n 15,686 student in the U.S.

Overall Frequency of Bullying

Bullying Others: Prevalence In and Away from School

Being Bullied: Prevalence In and Away from School

Bullying Others: Differences by Grade & Sex

Being Bullied: Differences by Grade & Sex

Ways of Being Bullied Reported by Victims

Characteristics of Bullies n Higher levels of alcohol use n Higher levels of smoking n Greater fighting n Poorer academic achievement n Poorer opinions about school n Easier time making friends

Characteristics of Persons Bullied n Lower levels of alcohol use n Greater fighting n Poorer relationships with classmates n More difficulty making friends n Greater loneliness n Greater parental involvement in school

Characteristics of Those Who Bully & Are Bullied n Higher levels of smoking n Greater fighting n Poorer academic achievement n Poorer relationships with classmates n Greater loneliness n More permissive parental attitude toward teen drinking n Greater parental involvement in school

Why Should We Be Concerned About Bullying? n Importance for healthy youth development n Association with social, emotional, and behavioral problems n Long-term consequences

Healthy Development In Early Adolescence n Increased importance placed on peer relationships n Development of one’s identity; look toward peers for guidance on how to behave and for affirmation of individual worth n Important time for social development - behavior patterns learned during this time may persist

Association with Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Problems n Youth who bully others demonstrate more behavior problems and poorer adaptation to school n Youth who are bullied show greater anxiety, depression, loneliness, insecurity, and physical symptoms, and lower self- esteem International studies show findings similar to our study

Long-Term Consequences n Adults bullied as youth showed greater depression and lower self-esteem n In adulthood, former bullies showed a 4-fold increase in criminal behavior International studies found long-term problems associated with bullying

Can Bullying Be Reduced? n School-based programs tested in Norway, England, Germany, and the U.S. u School and classroom climate changes; clear rules and social norms against bullying u Teacher training, involvement, and supervision u Parental involvement u Support and protection for those bullied u Disciplinary actions for bullying

Can Bullying Be Reduced? n Reductions in bullying of up to 50% occurred n Other positive effects were found: u Decrease in other types of antisocial behavior (fighting, theft, vandalism, truancy) u Improved school climate--better order and discipline, more positive social relationships,more positive attitudes toward school