Bullying leaves mark on kids’ psyches

Between ages 5 and 7, being the victim of a bully at school uniquely contributes to a child’s behavioral and emotional problems, according to observations of children before and after 2 years of bullying.

Youngsters targeted by bullies often enter school already showing signs of maladjustment, but those problems worsen and expand over 2 years of bullying, say psychologist Louise Arseneault of the Institute of Psychiatry in London and her colleagues.