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School Bullying and Mental Health in Children and Adolescents

Cheng-Fang Yen, M.D., Ph.D.1,2

Bullying is a malicious aggressive behavior that is intended to harm others repeatedly.
There is an imbalance in strength or power between the bullies and the
victims of bullying. Studies in European countries and U.S. suggest that 20% to
30% of students are frequently involved in bullying as bullies and/or victims.
Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have recognized bullying and being victimized
by bullies as health problems for school children and adolescents because
of their association with a range of adjustment problems, including poor mental
health and violent behavior. Bully-victims, who are involved in both bullying others
and being bullied by others, have the greatest number of mental and behavioral
problems. Children needing special health care are especially vulnerable to being
bullied. The signifi cant association between involvement in bullying and adverse
mental health in children and adolescents indicates that the early identifi cation of
and intervention on children and adolescents at risk should be a priority for the
society.
Key Word Bully, mental health, school health
Editorial Committe, Taiwanese Journal of Psychiatry
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