• Health & Wellness

    Stepping Up to Help Prevent Bullying

MEDIA ADVISORY:
Psychologists, Psychiatrists Discuss Bullying Prevention, Identifying Tips

Up to half of all children are bullied at some point during their school years, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Mayo Clinic bullying prevention experts Peter Jensen, M.D., and Bridget Biggs, Ph.D., are available to discuss not only physical and verbal bullying among adolescents, but cyberbullying as well.

Children who are bullied may be afraid to go to school, complaining of headaches or stomachaches, and in the long term the consequences of bullying can be severe. Dr. Jensen says, “Children who are bullied have higher rates of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and other mental health conditions. Some of these wounds may linger into adulthood.” Mayo Clinic sports psychologist and soccer coach, Max Trenerry, Ph.D., says anywhere there's a pecking order the potential for bullying exists. “Cliques and small groups on sports teams can prevent development of promising players and even drive players to quit their team.”

WATCH VIDEOS:
Long Term Scars of Bullying
Sports and Bullying
(Type "bullying" into search box to download broadcast format of the videos.)

To interview an expert contact:
Nick Hanson
507-284-5005

newsbureau@mayo.edu