Minnesota Hospital Says Bullying Public Health Threat

A new study by the Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota has identified bullying as a public health threat, noting that special needs children are particularly vulnerable to such predation.

The study concluded that about one in seven children in Minnesota is a victim of bullying, or about 100,000 kids in total. Such kids are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression or other issues that are connected with health problems. The study did not offer any specific health statistics tied directly to the effects of being bullied.

Along with children with special needs, those from poor families, are perceived as weak or submissive, different in behavior, obese or have low self-esteem are more likely to be the victims of bullying, according to the report.

Other potential victims may be children who had to leave school to receive treatment for an illness such as cancer. Although they are often welcomed upon return, they may be more likely to be teased about their condition once they more fully recover. “Sometimes, due to bullying, school is not a healing respite,” the report said.

“Any child is susceptible to bullying but, based on our experience, we also know that children who are sick or have special needs are even more vulnerable to bullying-related behavior and may suffer a setback in their health or development as a result,” said Alan L. Goldbloom, M.D., chief executive officer of the CHCM system. “Our clinical perspective drives us to dig deeper into what this dynamic means for kids and to explore how we as a medical community can help children navigate this threat.”

The study recommended that parents, teachers and other school personnel be more cognizant of warning signs of bullying, and not hesitate to take appropriate action when needed. That includes teaching appropriate social and communications skills, and helping victims of bullying to become more assertive.