Battling the bullies: state health officials release prevention guide

By Globe Staff

Saying that being bullied can leave a mark on a child for life, state public health officials today released a comprehensive guide to prevent bullying in the state's schools.

"Our kids deserve to grow up in an environment that is free from harassment and violence," Department of Public Health Commissioner Jon Auerbach said in a statement. "Bullying is not an inevitable part of growing up and we need to do more to stop it."

In 2005, nearly one in four Massachusetts middle or high school students surveyed reported being bullied, health officials said. The officials cited research indicating that children who are bullied are more likely to become depressed, more likely to have considered suicide, and less likely to succeed academically. They also noted that research suggests that bullies are more likely to commit crimes as they grow up.

The guide includes chapters on what teachers can do to prevent bullying, what school personnel can do after bullying has already occurred, and what strategies students can use themselves to address bullying.

State health officials said being bullied is a particular problem for gay, lesbian and bisexual youth.

"No guide alone can change a culture of bullying, but we hope this guide will help by providing administrators, teachers, and students with practical advice on what works and what doesn't work in preventing bullying," Auerbach said.

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