Examining Childhood Bullying and Adolescent Suicide

Abstract

Adolescent suicide is a preventable tragedy yet is still the third leading cause of death in young people of age 10-24. Contrary to the idea that childhood bullying is a normal part of growing up or a rite of passage, it is now correlated with adolescent suicidality. An integrative review of the contemporary, extant literature was conducted to examine the following question: Are adolescents who have been involved in childhood bullying or cyberbullying as victim, offender, or victim/offender at greater risk for suicidality than those who have not. It is important to empower school nurses with current and evidence-based information regarding childhood bullying and examine empirical science and tools to effectively address the current serious problem of adolescent suicide risk assessment and intervention.

Prevalence and Effect of Cyberbullying on Children and Young People

“…8 While a relatively new field, research thus far suggests that cyberbullying exposure and perpetration are associated with depression, low self-esteem, behavioral problems, and substance abuse. 9 Of additional concern is the potential relationship between cyberbullying and deliberate self-harm. A recent meta-analysis found that, compared with traditional bullying, cyberbullying was more strongly associated with suicidal ideation, although there were insufficient data to evaluate its relationship with suicide attempts.…”

Comparing school nurses' roles in supporting children who are bullied

“…For the fact that the school nurse is not part of the school staff, children can confide in the nurse (Cooper et al 2012). In addition it is important to collaborate with the school staff and parents to prevent bullying…”

“…The school nurse is in an ideal position to conceptualise steps toward a safe school environment to address bullying (Jacobson et al, 2011). Since the school nurse is not in a disciplinary or academic role, children are more likely to confide in the nurse (Cooper, Clements and Holt, 2012).…”

Evidence for Practice at Your Fingertips

“…Integrated literature reviews in The Journal of School Nursing (JOSN) during 2012 used the Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt scale to rate the quality of research about two specific problems. One integrated literature review reported synthesis of published studies, establishing the association of childhood bullying experience as victim, offender, or both and adolescent suicide (Cooper, Clements, & Holt, 2012). Cooper and colleagues make a case for the importance of studies that are not at the highest level (RCT) but that replication of studies that are cross-sectional or longitudinal (Level IV) add to the strength of the evidence.…”