How widespread is bullying? According to a recent poll, 86% of 9 to 13 year-old boys and girls said they’ve seen someone else being bullied, 48% said they’ve been bullied and 42% admitted to bullying other kids.

So, what is bullying? While black-eyes and bruises are telltale signs, bullying is not always clear cut. It can take different forms - in addition to kicking, hitting, or threats of physical harm, it can also involve shunning, mocking, incessant name-calling, racial or ethnic slurs, and inappropriate sexual contact or comments. And bullies can be anywhere - at school, at home, at work or on-line.

Bullying is a form of ABUSE. The consequences of bullying are more than just unpleasant. According to a recent National Institute of Health study, boys and girls who bully other children seem to be at risk for more serious violent behavior. Chronic bullying can lead to depression, suicide, misplaced aggression, academic underachievement and difficulty with interpersonal relationships.

Unidentified photographer. Girl with Doll, c. 1850’s. Daguerreotype, sixth plate, 8.3 x 7 cm. © The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Charles Isaacs and Carol Nigro, 2003.300