Most research on bullying has focused on the severe psychological problems bullied children experience. However, a research study recently published in the Journal of Educational Psychology indicates bullied children suffer academically as well as emotionally. Chronically bulled students suffer declining test scores, a growing dislike for school and failing confidence in their abilities. Boys versus girls were bullied more frequently across all grade levels. Dr. Gary Ladd and his research team followed and studied several hundred students from Kindergarten through 12th Grade. Nearly 25% of all students suffered chronic bullying through the school years. The only positive news they discovered is that as students entered high school the bullying tended to taper off. The key according to the research team is early intervention. I hope studies such as this continue to receive widespread media attention to keep the spotlight on this issue.
