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Bullying and suicide. A review
Young Shin Kim1, Bennett Leventhal
1Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA. young-shin.kim@yale.edu
International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health
|August 22, 2008
Summary
School bullying involvement, as a victim or perpetrator, is linked to increased risks of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young people. This systematic review highlights the strong association between bullying experiences and youth suicide risk globally.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- School bullying is a prevalent form of school violence with significant negative consequences.
- Bullying involvement (victim or perpetrator) is associated with various behavioral, emotional, and social issues.
- Suicide is a leading cause of mortality among children and adolescents worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review existing literature on the association between bullying experiences and suicide in youth.
- To analyze the strengths and limitations of study designs examining bullying and suicide.
- To synthesize evidence on the impact of bullying on suicidal ideation and behavior.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 37 studies.
- Inclusion of studies from general communities and special populations.
- Analysis focused on children and adolescents.
Main Results:
- A consistent association was found between any participation in bullying and increased risk of suicidal ideation and/or behaviors.
- The review encompassed diverse populations and study designs.
- Methodological differences did not negate the clear trend observed.
Conclusions:
- Bullying involvement, whether as a victim or perpetrator, significantly elevates suicide risk in youth.
- The evidence strongly supports a link between bullying and increased suicidal ideation and behaviors.
- Further research should consider the nuances of study designs while acknowledging the established risk.
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