HHD and Bullying: Health in Action Issue

Bullying is a common and destructive problem among young teens. It involves repeated, harmful behaviors committed by someone who is physically or psychologically more powerful than his or her target. Hitting, pushing, kicking, taunting, yelling, threatening, spreading rumors, and excluding others are all forms of this growing problem.

“Since most bullying takes place in schools, schools have a responsibility to respond,” says HHD project director Christine Blaber. HHD’s work on this topic helps school personnel and other witnesses to bullying respond effectively.

HHD is known for its various approaches to dealing with the issue of bullying—by conducting research; developing educational materials; and training youth, parents, and professionals to respond. Recently, several HHD staff members were featured as guest authors in Health in Action’s May/June 2005 edition devoted to bullying in the school community. This 24-page periodical, published by the American School Health Association (ASHA), seeks to strengthen the skills and improve the health-related knowledge of teachers, counselors, nurses, administrators, and other school-based professionals who work with 5th-12th grade students.

The edition on bullying presents an overview of the problem; the roles of males and females as aggressors and targets; the influence of bystanders on bullying; suggestions to help parents; strategies for educators and school health professionals to use in dealing with and preventing bullying; and resources for further information. According to HHD project director, Christine Blaber, who is also the guest editor for this issue of Health in Action, “This publication is critical because it offers readable information and practical strategies to help secondary school faculty, staff, and administrators understand the scope of adolescent bullying and feel prepared to address it.”

July 20, 2005