Stories
Slash Boxes
Comments

SoylentNews is people

posted by n1 on Saturday April 19 2014, @08:28AM   Printer-friendly
from the psychology-morning dept.

According to Medical Xpress:

The negative social, physical and mental health effects of childhood bullying are still evident nearly 40 years later, according to new research by King's College London. The study is the first to look at the effects of bullying beyond early adulthood, and is published in the American Journal of Psychiatry.

 
This discussion has been archived. No new comments can be posted.
Display Options Threshold/Breakthrough Mark All as Read Mark All as Unread
The Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not responsible for them in any way.
  • (Score: 4, Informative) by Bytram on Saturday April 19 2014, @12:55PM

    by Bytram (4043) on Saturday April 19 2014, @12:55PM (#33324) Journal

    bradley13 wrote:

    What a surprise. Childhood experiences influence the person as an adult. News at 11:00.

    Seriously, WTF?

    The point is that there is now scientific evidence that there are long-term repercussions. It suggests that an active effort to combat bullying is warranted. From TFA:

    Professor Louise Arseneault, senior author, also from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's adds: "We need to move away from any perception that bullying is just an inevitable part of growing-up. Teachers, parents and policy-makers should be aware that what happens in the school playground can have long-term repercussions for children. Programmes to stop bullying are extremely important, but we also need to focus our efforts on early intervention to prevent potential problems persisting into adolescence and adulthood."

    In other words, ignoring bullying is not a viable option; that educators (among others) should no longer tolerate bullying; that intervention is not just a good idea, but is indeed important to the long-term health of the victim.

    I know that anecdote is not the singular of data. Bullying was prevalent in my area growing up. I was often the victim of bullying and sadly must confess that on a few occasions I bullied others. It has taken me considerable assistance, introspection, and effort to overcome the worst of those effects. I know better now and strive to be mindful of the impact my words and actions can have upon others.

    I would posit that the behavior of bullies does not stop in childhood, either. Witness, for example, reports of parents who go ballistic at their child's sporting events. I suspect the inaction of non-participants needs to change as well. Think, too, of the impact of having bullies assume positions of power whether it be in politics or in corporate governance.

    I have no simple solution, but can hope that by calling attention to the long-lasting, adverse effects of such behavior, our collective society might become less tolerant of bullying, more supportive of the bullied. As we age and lose our vim and vigor, all of us may well be in a position where we are unable to defend ourselves from abusive behavior. I fear that little change may come of this, but can hope for the change nonetheless and in my own small way in my little part of the world, do what I can to encourage that change.

    Starting Score:    1  point
    Moderation   +3  
       Insightful=1, Informative=2, Total=3
    Extra 'Informative' Modifier   0  

    Total Score:   4