Bullying of children

Bullying can be physical, verbal or mental. Bullies usually target other children that are weaker than themselves by using verbally offensive and demeaning comments or by physically hurting them. It can have dire consequences for the victims and can lead to stress-related illnesses and in some cases to suicide.

In response to the increase of bullying the UK Government has made the tackling of bullying in and outside school a top priority, emphasising that no form of bullying should be tolerated.

There are several organisations where parents and/or children can obtain help. For instance Childline, Kidscape, Bullying, etc.

Sadly, in the 11 March 2010 issue of the Daile Express it was reported that a 13-year old girl hanged herself with her school tie after enduring bullying by some classmates. Why is it that some children seem to get a kick out of bullying? Should bullying be classified as a criminal offence with appropriate penalties, including custodial sentence?

http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/wholeschool/behaviour/tacklingbullying/