Suicide Prevention: Bullying Increased Suicide Risks Among Teenagers

Recent studies reveal that bullying does not only affect the victims, but the bully as well. It was mentioned that bullying in general increased the suicide risks of both the victim and the bully.

In a report released by the American Academy of Pediatrics, it was mentioned that bullies are at a high risk of suicide, contrary to popular beliefs that it only affects the victim. It was then highlighted that experts, educators and parents should not only focus on the victim, but the bully as well.

In a report published in the "Pediatrics" journal, it was mentioned that pediatricians should take a closer look at the main causes of suicide among teens. It was mentioned that they should not only focus on mental health issues and substance abuse, but bullying as well. Benjamin Shain, a child and adolescent psychiatrist noted that pediatricians should widen their scope when it comes to suicide risks among adolescents.

"Pediatricians need to be aware of the problem overall," Shain said. "They should be screening for things like mood disorders, substance abuse as well as bullying."

Suicide is one of the major causes of death among adolescents, and the numbers continually increase all throughout the years. CDC mentioned that 17 percent of high school students considered committing suicide. It was then added that 2.7 percent have already opted to commit suicide which resulted in an injury.

One of the major factors being looked upon when it comes to suicide causes is bullying. It often results to low self-esteem and even depression. It was mentioned that cyberbullying is one of the most common type of bullying which affects thousands of teenagers in the United States alone.

 Dr. Christine Moutier, chief medical officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, then highlighted the importance of parents and physicians when it comes to suicide prevention.