School Bullies Often Seen As 'Cool': "By Amy Norton 12-8-3
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Victims of bullying feel more depressed, anxious and socially isolated than their classmates, while the bullies are often seen as 'cool,' according to a study released Monday.
The findings, say experts, underscore the need to address bullying by changing its social acceptance.
In the study, researchers analyzed peer reports of who bullies and who is victimized, self-reports of psychological distress and peer and teacher reports of 'adjustment' problems. The study included 11 middle schools in the Los Angeles area with large minority populations.
They found that nearly one-quarter of the 1985 students were involved in bullying in some way. Seven percent were perpetrators, based on what they, their classmates and their teachers said. Nine percent were victims of bullying, and six percent were both perpetrators and victims.
On surveys of psychological distress, victims showed the highest levels of depression, social anxiety and loneliness of all students. Kids deemed bullies, on the other hand, were 'psychologically stronger' than their classmates, including those not involved in bullying at all. Bullies also enjoyed the highest social status in school."
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Victims of bullying feel more depressed, anxious and socially isolated than their classmates, while the bullies are often seen as 'cool,' according to a study released Monday.
The findings, say experts, underscore the need to address bullying by changing its social acceptance.
In the study, researchers analyzed peer reports of who bullies and who is victimized, self-reports of psychological distress and peer and teacher reports of 'adjustment' problems. The study included 11 middle schools in the Los Angeles area with large minority populations.
They found that nearly one-quarter of the 1985 students were involved in bullying in some way. Seven percent were perpetrators, based on what they, their classmates and their teachers said. Nine percent were victims of bullying, and six percent were both perpetrators and victims.
On surveys of psychological distress, victims showed the highest levels of depression, social anxiety and loneliness of all students. Kids deemed bullies, on the other hand, were 'psychologically stronger' than their classmates, including those not involved in bullying at all. Bullies also enjoyed the highest social status in school."
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