A new study says bullied children have mental health problems when they are adults. They are more likely to be depressed and stressed than children who suffered child abuse. Children who are bullied are 1.6 times likelier to have mental health problems or to try to harm themselves. Society thinks bullying is a normal part of childhood. A researcher said: "Being bullied is not a harmless…part of growing up" He said it has serious long-term effects.

Bullying is a worldwide problem. In Britain, 16,000 children stay at home because of bullying. Their exam results suffer and they don't go to university or get good jobs. Bullied children sometimes have serious illnesses; they cannot focus for a long time; they have poor social skills; and have problems with jobs and relationships. Parents and schools need to do more about stopping bullying. They need to teach their children how to communicate well with other children.