Bullying and Suicide Attempts

Bullying is being recognized as a major problem.  The possible devastating affects of bullying is suicide and increased drop out rates.  Bullying is having devastating consequences such as teen suicides.  There has been talk regarding whether or not bullying contributes to teen suicides.  Studies have shown that bullying behavior is associated with suicide attempts.  In the media it seems to be an increasing concern because of recent cases of suicides associated with bullying. In prior studies such as the one conducted by Wang, Nansel, and Iannotti (2005) of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NIH) has linked “bullying behavior to depression and suicide attempts.”  Those who are victims of bullying have more symptoms of depression than those who are not victims which can increase suicidal thoughts.  In a brief by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, 2011 they examine the relationship “between suicide and bullying among teens and adolescent with special attention to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth.”  Bullying is associated to increased suicide risk in young people who are victims of bullying.  Per the brief the (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2007) states, “That suicide is the third leading cause of death of young people ages 12-18 and during the 2007–2008 school year, 32% of the nation’s students ages 12–18 reported being bullied.”  There seems to be a pattern where both victims and those who bully are at higher risk of suicide mainly because they are more likely to be depressed.

SPEAK UP, SPEAK OUT TAKE A STAND AGAINST BULLYING