PERSONAL PRACTICE Practical approaches to reduce the impact of bullying

Bullying can have significant and long term adverse eVects on the health and behaviour of children. Not only does the victim suVer psychological and possibly physical damage, but the persistent bullies are at risk of continuing their aggressive, antisocial behaviour. Approximately one third of British schoolchildren report bullying. Achieving a reduction in the rate of bullying in schools would be a highly eVective public health measure for the 21st century. This article considers interventions that may reduce bullying and ways in which victims of bullying can be helped.