Approach to bullying and victimization.
OBJECTIVE
To review the epidemiology, identification, and management of bullying and victimization among children in the primary care setting.


METHODS
Information was obtained from PsycINFO and MEDLINE databases, as well as the authors' own clinical and research experience. Information is based on levels II and III evidence.


RESULTS
Involvement in bullying is a destructive relationship problem, with important health implications. Physicians need to be aware of the physical and psychosocial symptoms commonly associated with involvement in bullying so that they can screen and identify those children involved. This article presents a review of bullying and associated symptoms, a tool for assessing bullying involvement, and an overview of intervention and management.


CONCLUSIONS
Bullying is a substantial problem affecting Canadian children. With an increased awareness and understanding of bullying as a health problem, physicians can play an instrumental role in identifying children involved in bullying and providing them with the support needed to develop healthy relationships.
University of Toronto, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Women's College Hospital, Burton Hall, 60 Grosvenor St, Toronto, Ontario. jennifer.lamb@utoronto.ca
Jennifer
J
Lamb
Debra J
DJ
Pepler
Wendy
W
Craig
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D000293:Adolescent; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology*; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D013334:Students