CONTENTS

About This Course

Table of Contents

1. School Bullying: What It Is and Why It Hurts
2. The Role of Bullies, Victims, and Witnesses
3. Factors Contributing to Bullying and Violence
4. Screening and Assessment
5. Treatment For Children and Adolescents
6. Prevention and Intervention
7. Legal and Ethical Issues

Supplements
Case Studies
Fact Sheets
References
Resources

The ABCs of Bullying
Addressing, Blocking, and Curbing School Aggression

Policy Recommendations From the American Medical Association

The AMA's recommendations and policy statements include (AMA, 2002; Fried, 2003):

• The AMA recognizes bullying as a complex and abusive behavior with potentially serious social and mental health consequences for children and adolescents.
• The AMA will work with appropriate Federal agencies, the Alliance, mental health organizations, and youth organizations in a national campaign to change societal attitudes toward and tolerance of bullying.
• AMA advocates Federal support of research to:
  1. Develop and evaluate prevention programs.
  2. Develop effective clinical tools and protocols for identification, treatment, and referral of youth at risk for bullying.
  3. Clarify biological, familial, and environmental influences of aggressive and violent behaviors.
  4. Study the development of social and emotional resiliency and the factors that mitigate against violence and aggression.
• The AMA advocates expanding the funding of comprehensive school-based programs to provide assessment, consultation, and intervention services for bullies and targets of bullying.
• The AMA urges parents and other caretakers of children to:
  1. Be actively involved in their children's school activities and life
  2. Teach them how to resolve conflicts peacefully and deal with frustration
  3. Build a supportive home environment that demonstrates respect, tolerance, and caring attitudes for others