Bullied children 'three times more likely' to self harm
Children who experience bullying are three times more likely to self harm than their classmates when they reach adolescence, according to a new study by the British Medical Journal.
The authors have called for more effective programmes in schools to tackle bullying, due to the damage it can inflict well into adult life.
"This finding is even more concerning given that studies have suggested that early patterns of self harm can persist through adolescence into adulthood and increase the risk of later psychological problems.
"Therefore, such maladaptive coping strategies need to be tackled in childhood and early adolescence before they become a persistent problem or lead to serious injury or death."
More top news
A day of delays and frustration at UK airports
Passengers were left stranded today when a glitch at an air traffic control centre caused chaos at airports across the UK and Ireland.
X Factor: The semi-final song choices revealed
ITV's The X Factor has revealed the contestants' song choices for semi-final week.
Mandela and the power of sporting victory
The rugby captain whose handshake with Nelson Mandela came to define the progress of post-apartheid South Africa pays tribute to his idol.