MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Jokes are made about them and fictional characters mimic their behavior, but bullying among young children is no laughing matter.

Bullying is the systematic harassment of children by their peers. It is most common in boys in late grade school, but girls are not immune to the problem. A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study found that more than 5 percent of students nationwide stay home from school at least one day a month because they feel unsafe either at school or getting there.

Instances of bullying have been involved in some high-profile crimes such as school shootings and personal tragedies such as suicides.

Patsilu Reeves, family life education specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said bully behavior is not a new problem, but it is still significant.

“Bullying can be verbal or non-verbal and physical or non-physical,” Reeves said. “These range from teasing, name calling and spreading rumors to hitting, shoving and destroying property to making threatening or obscene gestures.”

Persistent bullying behavior is considered part of a larger conduct disorder problem.

“Research has shown that bullying behaviors are related to other antisocial behaviors such as fighting, theft, vandalism, alcohol consumption and truancy.”

While bullies pick on some children because they look different than others, such as wear glasses or have red hair, more common targets of bullying are those with a disability such as stammering, cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. Children who are insecure or sensitive often become targets, as do socially isolated children, physically weaker boys, and children who are victims of child abuse or neglect.

“Bullies don't go for the popular jock. They go for the children that, for whatever reason, can not defend themselves verbally or physically,” Reeves said.

She said teachers, parents and others who work with children should look for the vulnerable children, and do the slow work of building up their self-esteem. Quiet, introverted or insecure children are not going to change their personalities, but they can learn to project more confidence. Adults can help these children discover, develop and exhibit the talents they have.

Helping vulnerable children is important for the long-term, but bullying behavior should be stopped immediately and prevented when possible.

“School administration and parents have to realize that bullying is a very serious situation and that it cannot be tolerated in schools,” Reeves said.

Some schools suspend and expel students for bullying, but according to the American Medical Association, the most effective strategies for reducing bully behavior are comprehensive efforts to change the climate of the school and define positive behavior as normal.

The AMA offers several warning signs of bullying victimization. These include: returning from school with torn or damaged clothes or belongings; unexplained cuts, bruises or scratches; few or no friends; lack of interest in and fear of going to school; complaints of headaches or stomach aches; trouble sleeping; and a sad, depressed or moody appearance.

The AMA said some children cope with bullying by reporting it, but only about 25 percent thought this improved their situation. Others ignore or endure the behavior, retaliate against the bully, seek protection by their peers without telling them about the bullying, avoid the bullies or plan revenge.

Bullying is not just a childhood problem, but research has shown it has long-term effects on its victims. The AMA reports short-term problems for the victims can include depression, anxiety, loneliness, difficulties with school work. Long-term problems can include low self-esteem and depression.

Bullies themselves often develop delinquent behaviors, and this antisocial behavior pattern will continue into young adulthood, exhibited by tendencies to be more apt to drink alcohol, smoke, and perform poorly in school. The AMA reports that one in four boys who bully will have a criminal record by age 30.

Contact: Dr. Patsilu Reeves, (662) 325-3080