What is the Connection Between Bullying and Suicide?

Studies have found that children who are bullied are more likely to develop mental health issues, leading to an increased likelihood of suicide and suicidal thoughts. Victims of bullying are more likely to become depressed, anti-social, and to isolate themselves from others, leading to an established connection between suicide and bullying. Some studies suggest that children who are bullied are more likely than other children to have thoughts of suicide.

Bullying is common among children around the world, and studies indicate that more than half of children are affected by bullying at some point during their childhoods. Researchers can't say bullying causes suicide. Research does establish a connection, however, between bullying and mental health issues, leading to a connection between bullying and suicide.

Bullying is a type of abuse among children. It can be either physical or verbal abuse directed by a child or a group of children against another child or group of children. While once thought of as occurring on the school playground, bullying among children and teens now often takes place in the cyber world.

Cyber bullying may take place by e-mail, text messaging, or on social network sites such as Facebook. The connection between bullying and suicide doesn't have to include physical violence in order to exist. There have been several instances in which cyber bullying was linked to the victim committing suicide.

Bullying and suicide have different connections based on gender. Both boys and girls who are bullied tend to develop depression, though studies found that boys who exhibited symptoms of depression with peers are likely to be bullied even more. Depression is the leading cause of suicide among teens and children.

Some studies indicate, however, that bullying and suicide may be more likely when the victim is female. Girls may be more likely to lose their social network and relationships if they become victims of bullies. Some researchers also believe girls may be more affected by the effects of bullying because boys may be more likely to expect and tolerate a degree of bullying as a normal part of their interactions.

Teachers, parents, and others who regularly interact with children and teens are becoming increasingly aware of the connection between bullying and suicide. Several countries now have laws to address bullying among children. Schools are also adding policies to address bullying and raising awareness of bullying.