What are the effects of bullying on school children?
The psychological impact on victims of childhood teasing and other forms of bullying can be devastating and last long into adulthood. Diminished self worth, compromised school performance, social rejection, depression and feelings of helplessness and loneliness are frequently reported consequences (Neary & Joseph, 1994; Callaghan & Joseph, 1995; Charach, Pepler & Ziegler, 1995). For children who stutter, these consequences are made worse by a vicious cycle of increased speech struggle, more negative listener reactions, heightened shame, and an intense desire to avoid and hide stuttering at all costs. Peers who witness bullying are traumatized as well. They are afraid to report bullying or intervene. Often they participate in the bullying (Craig & Pepler, 1995) for fear of being the next victim. Although few peers intervene, many would like to do so (Charach, Pepler & Ziegler, 1995). When given strategies, the peer group can be a powerful ally. We must also be very concerned for the chi
