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HEALTH NOTES

yron Y. Newman, O.D.

ullying: Emotional and physical terrorism

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ullying is a worldwide prob-lem that has many negativeconsequences for the general

chool climate, according to Ronanks in an article on the Nonverbalearning Disorder Web site (nldontheweb.rg). Many studies have been carriedut to determine just what makes bul-ies, why they find pleasure in repeatedhysical or psychological terrorism tothers who are weaker, smaller, differ-nt, or more insecure than they are, andhat the consequences of these behav-

ors might be. For example, Europeannd Scandinavian studies concur thatullies tend to be aggressive, domi-ant, and slightly below average inntelligence and reading ability, andre at least of average popularity. Ac-ording to an article by Rand Sampsont the Center for Problem Orientedolicing (www.popcenter.org), youngullies tend to remain bullies, withoutppropriate intervention: “Adolescentullies tend to become adult bullies,nd then tend to have children whoecome bullies.” In Australia, researchhows that bullies come from dysfunc-ional families low on love. Their par-nts tend to criticize them and strictlyontrol them. Dutch (and other) re-earchers have found a correlation be-ween harsh physical punishments andullying.There are several types of bullying,

ccording to Love Our Children, USAloveourchildrenusa.org/bullying.php ):

● Physical bullying: hitting, kick-ing, pinching, tripping, etc.

● Verbal and emotional terrorism:relentless teasing, name calling,

rumor spreading i

529-1839/07/$ -see front matter © 2007 American Ooi:10.1016/j.optm.2007.09.007

● Sexual bullying: inappropriatetouching, staring, snapping brastrap, sexual comments

● Racial bullying: racial slurs, mak-ing fun of customs, skin color,accent, the food eaten by others,plus spraying graffiti on homeswith degrading symbols.

Some people think that bullying isust a part of growing up, but it canake victims feel unsafe, lonely, un-

appy and frightened; they lose confi-ence and don’t want to go to schoolnymore. According to Bully Bewareroductions (bullybeware.com), “Bul-

ying is one of the most underrated andnduring problems in schools todaynd is a reality in the lives of allhildren, whether they are bullies, vic-ims, or witnesses.”

What happens to the victims? Ac-ording to the Bully Beware Web site,. . . by high school, bullies and vic-ims are usually moving in differentirections in the curriculum and theiraths rarely cross.” In most cases, vic-ims do survive, but carry their emo-ional scars for a lifetime; however,here are too many examples of victimsesorting to retaliation by school shoot-ngs, some of which we are all pain-ully aware. And sadly, children whore repeatedly victimized sometimesee suicide as their only escape.

What happens to bullies? “As theyet older, bullies lose their popularitynd are eventually disliked by the ma-ority of students. By age 24, 60% ofdentified bullies have a criminal con-iction,” reports Bully Beware. Atudy spanning 35 years by psycholo-ist E. Eron at the University of Mich-

gan found that children who were bul- i

ptometric Association. All rights reserved.

ies at age 8 were often bullieshroughout their lives. As adults, theyere found to require more support

rom government agencies (Psychol-gy Today, Sept. 1995). “These formerhild bullies later had more court con-ictions, more alcoholism, more anti-ocial personality disorders and usedore of the mental health services.”rs. Donald West and David Far-

ington of Cambridge University stud-ed over 400 South London Boys andound that as adults, school bulliesontinued their style of behavior inater life with increased risk for crim-nality, marital violence, child abuse,nd sexual harassment. Dr. Dan Ol-eus of the University of Bergen, Nor-ay, an international authority on bul-

ying, reported they had 4 times moreelatively serious, recidivist criminal-

Byron Y. Newman, O.D.

ty than non-bullies.

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568 Health Notes

What’s to be done about this seriousublic health problem? Bully Bewareays, “Teachers, students, supporttaff, parents and administrators needo work as a team to take action againstullying.” Many schools have estab-ished a zero tolerance for bullying,nd expel bullies even after the firstffense. However, a study by Jaanauvonen, Ph.D., et al, a psychologyrofessor at University of Californiaos Angeles (UCLA Magazine, Spring004), says too many schools adopt thisband-aid approach to the problem.” Asconsultant to the Los Angeles Elemen-

ary schools on developing anti-bullyingrograms, she states, “It’s far more ef-ective to look at the bigger picture, in-luding a focus on the bystanders who,ather than encouraging this behaviorith their response, can be empowered

o intervene in ways that prevent it.” t

The United Nations Charter ofights for Children states, in part, thatvery child has the right to an educa-ion, and every child has the right to beafe. To those ends, adults working inhe public education system have auty to provide a safe school environ-ent for all students, which can be

efined as schools that:1. Are free from violence2. Are nurturing, caring, and re-

spectful of everyone3. Are physically and psychologi-

cally healthy4. Promise sensible risk taking5. Enhance the self-esteem of all.So while bullying has no place in a

afe school, what about the profes-ional workplace? An article by Judithessey, RN, at Boston College, re-orts that there is bullying in hospi-

als among doctors and nurses. She l

oints to how the demands of today’sealth care system create a stressfulnvironment, with chastising workersn front of patients and other nurses andoctors creating even greater stress. Thisight lead us to look around in our

laces of work to be sure that this is notccurring in our professional lives.

Finally, when taking a history, andhen appropriate, we might ask

bout bullies in the schools of ouroung patients. As members of theommunities we serve, we should as-ume some of the responsibility ofafe schools whenever we can. Asiderom all the damage to children whore bullied in schools, bullies them-elves create huge expenses in timend money for social services, med-cal services, and the justice systems,ot only during the school years but

ater in life as well.