Bullied children ‘more likely to hurt themselves’

According to its findings, around half of 12-year-olds who subject themselves to deliberate injury were frequently picked on.

The research also showed victimised children with mental health difficulties and those from troubled families were at greater risk of resorting to destructive behaviour which could have serious long-term effects in later life.

The study’s authors have now called for more effective programmes to prevent bullying in schools. In a paper, published by the British Medical Journal, they suggest efforts should focus on improving the ways in which children cope with emotional distress.

“Bullying by peers is a major problem during the early school years,” they said.

“This study found that before 12 years of age a small proportion of children frequently exposed to this form of victimisation already deliberately harmed themselves and in some cases attempted to take their own lives.

The researchers also raised fears over the long-term implications of bullying which, they said, could result in psychological issues.