Bullying in schools: doctors' responsibilities

Bullying in schoolchildren – its relationship to dental appearance and psychosocial implications: an update for GDPs

“…Dawkins 40 suggested that 'to ignore bullying is to condemn children to further misery and may prejudice their academic achievements and adjustment in adult life' . Clinicians should be aware that children with a malocclusion could be subjected to persistent peer victimisation, resulting in a negative impact on both their self-esteem and oral health-related quality of life.…”

“…If a child admits that he/she is being bullied, it is critical that the child be believed and reassured that they have done the right thing to report it. 24,40 Parents of bullied children should be counselled and informed of the severity and possible consequences of bullying. They should be encouraged to contact the school and speak to teachers, the headteacher or governors regarding the situation and request action is taken.…”

Bullying: comportamento agressivo entre estudantes

“…Their low self-esteem may be so damaged that they believe they deserve the bad-treatment they receive. 3,9,11,14,22,27,30 Period and frequency of aggressions strongly contribute to the worsening of effects. Fear, tension and distress with self-image may impair the academic development, besides increasing anxiety, lack of confidence and negative concept of oneself.…”

“…3,14 As bullying usually takes place away from the scrutiny of adults and most victims do not react or report what is happening, 22 it is understandable why teachers and parents are not aware of bullying, underestimate its prevalence and are not able to reduce and interrupt bullying events. 19,27 A study by ABRAPIA revealed that 51.8% of bullies admitted they were not reprimanded. 3 Apparent acceptance by adults and the consequent feeling of impunity allow for the continuation of aggressions.…”

“…In rare cases, self-destruction or suicide ideation may be present, or the victim feels compelled to use drastic measures, such as revenge, violent reactions, carrying a gun or committing suicide. 25,27,31 Some physical, behavioral or emotional characteristics may make the victim more vulnerable to the actions of bullies and affect his/her relation with the group. Rejection to differences is an important fact reported in the occurrence of bullying, however, bullies are more likely to choose and use possible differences as a justification for aggressions, even if these are not the real causes of their behavior.…”