Healio
Healio

American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition
October 23, 2015
1 min read
Save

Students report inadequate screening for bullying, counseling

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Data presented at the 2015 AAP National Conference and Exhibition suggest that efforts are needed to encourage medical professionals to screen for bullying and refer patients to mental health services.

“Nearly 30% of U.S. adolescents are involved in bullying. Studies indicate a correlation between bullying and several mental health concerns including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. Only 21% of U.S. children who require a mental health evaluation receive services, implying roughly 7.5 million children have an unmet need,” Amira El Sherif, MD, of KidzCare Pediatrics in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and colleagues wrote.

To determine barriers to mental health services for youth who experience bullying, El Sherif and colleagues conducted four focus groups with bullying victims and their parents and interviewed teachers and community mental health providers. Study participants included 440 middle and high school students in Cumberland County, North Carolina.

Twenty-nine percent of participants reported experiencing bullying in the past. Of the 28 barriers reported, 11 were specific to participants who experienced prior bullying.

Health care–related barriers were ranked highest among reported barriers, according to researchers. Students reported a lack of adequate screening and counseling from medical providers.

School system and education barriers — including inaction from school personnel and poor enforcement of investigation procedures — were also strongly reported.

Participants also reported inadequate school follow-up and communication with parents as significant barriers.

“As a pediatrician, this study reminded me that we can always do more for our patients,” El Sherif said in a press release. “Bullying should become a part of the normal conversation in the office. Doctors, parents and school officials should also work together to address bullying when it occurs and to make sure mental health services are accessible when needed.”– by Amanda Oldt

Reference:

El Sherif A, et al. Abstract 29292. Presented at: 2015 AAP National Conference and Exhibition; Oct. 23-27; Washington D.C.

Disclosure: Healio.com/Psychiatry was unable to confirm relevant financial disclosures at the time of publication.