HEALTH

AMA recognizes bullying as public health problem

Abuse of children by other children may contribute to violent behavior, addiction, criminal activity and other ills of society.

By Victoria Stagg Elliott, AMNews staff. July 9/16, 2001.

Chicago -- Nearly every report of extreme violence in a school setting -- most notably the massacre at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo., two years ago -- has been linked to bullying. The perpetrators, usually former victims, turn violent and take revenge -- delineating a tragic cycle in which a bully's physical intimidation leads to tragic consequences.

Public health advocates, however, are increasingly recognizing that the death toll from these incidents is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of negative implications -- both for those victimized and those who victimize.

Bullying is being looked at as a factor in many of society's ills, including smoking, underage drinking, mental illness and drug addiction. It's also being seen as the root of more violent behavior, particularly among adults.

"Terrorism, violence and other acts are all related to one another -- including domestic violence and child abuse," said Mary Anne McCaffree, MD, a pediatrician and Oklahoma delegate from Oklahoma City. "Bullying is an issue that needs to be addressed."

Since Columbine, several medical organizations have increased the attention paid to bullying. Most recently, the American Medical Association announced that it would address bullying as part of its anti-violence program.

The Association also will support research on the subject and prepare materials that will help people and institutions deal with the issue, according to a new policy adopted by the AMA's House of Delegates last month in Chicago. [...]

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