The study's findings are based on self-reports from the children. It is one of the most comprehensive studies about bullying to date. The report is important because it not only emphasizes the prevalence of bullying but also provides some insight about bullies and those who are bullied. Not surprisingly, both the bullied and the bully are troubled kids. Those who are bullied are easy targets because they generally have little peer support.
Bullies have problems in and out of school as well with social isolation.
They also report academic problems and are more likely to smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol. Based on the study's findings, there are far too many unhappy, lonely kids in our schools. The battle against bullying will require more than teaching kids the Golden Rule, establishing consequences for bullying, and vigilantly monitoring locker rooms, stairwells, and lavatories. The authors of the study recommend that more research is needed to better understand and therefore help children involved in bullying. I'd be interested in learning about your efforts.