It occurs in schools nationwide on a daily basis, on playgrounds, and in classrooms. Student bullying has become a serious problem among kids and teenagers as one child tries to exert dominance over another using unkind tactics such as name calling, teasing, and verbal threats. Although such behavior is considered to be common and, to some unenlightened parents and teachers, almost a part of growing up, student bullying may have longer term consequences for both the child and the victim.

According to a study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, bullying may be the forerunner to more serious pathologic personality traits and behaviors. Researchers looked at a group of 1,655 seventh and eighth grade students to determine the effects student bullying might have on future behavior. By using special student surveys and psychological testing they were able to identify who the bullys were as well as their victims. By following the kids longer term, they were able to determine the effects student bullying had on both bullys and their victims.

The results? It was shown that students identified as being bullys were more likely to have problems with longer term aggressive behavior. Students found to be victims of student bullying were also more likely to have future social problems, commonly experiencing difficulties interacting with others in a healthy manner.

Because of the association this study showed between student bullying and longer term psychosocial problems, the researchers stated that more efforts should be made to control the problem of student bullying through special school programs. As it turns out, bullying in the school setting may have long term implications for both the victim and the bully. Correcting this problem at an early age may be an important step towards reducing the incidence of school violence that appears to be more common in recent years.

How common is the problem of student bullying? A study of students attending school in small Midwestern towns showed that more than three-quarters had been victims of some form of bullying during their school years. Some children have the unfortunate situation of being bullied on a on a regular basis.

What can be done if you think student bullying is a problem at your child’s school? Talk to your child’s teachers and make them aware of the problem. If the bullying continues, talk to the principle about starting a program to educate teachers about the problem and how to handle it. Student bullying is more than just a childhood activity to be outgrown, it may lead to future problems with aggression and, in the worst case, serious school violence.