Bullying can be verbal, physical, or via the Internet. It can severely affect the victim's self-image, social interactions, and school performance―often leading to insecurity, lack of self-esteem, and depression in adulthood. School dropout rates and absences among victims of bullying are much higher than among other students.

Studies have shown that children who have been identified as a bully by age eight are six times more likely to have a criminal conviction by age twenty-four. Children who are bullies may continue to be bullies as adults, and are more prone to becoming child abusers and spouse abusers.

Click here for resources providing information regarding bullying and bullying prevention for families and their communities.