Bullying

Bullying is common across the world. Surveys found that between one fifth (China) and two-thirds (Zambia) of children reported being verbally or physically bullied within 30 days of being questioned.

Boys are more likely than girls to be both victims and perpetrators of bullying. They are also more likely to use physical intimidation and violence, while girls tend towards verbal and social bullying.

Widespread problem

Although the problem is widespread, only 5 of the 66 countries examined in Plan's research - Korea, Norway, Sri Lanka, the UK and the US - have laws prohibiting bullying in schools.

Children are often bullied because of their ethnicity or sexuality. Disabled children are also more likely to be targets, as are the youngest, smallest and weakest children.

Children who suffer family violence are more likely to be bullies and be bullied.

Bullying is also more common in schools which are overcrowded, with inadequate adult supervision and poor school policies. Children attending schools in violent or poor neighbourhoods or where discrimination against ethnic or other groups is accepted are also more likely to experience violence.

Most victims do not report what they are suffering because they blame themselves and feel ashamed. Moreover, few victims believe their schools will take real action to improve the situation.

Poor performance

Victims of bullying may lose self-esteem, feel shame, suffer anxiety and come to dislike school. They often play truant to avoid further victimisation. Those that remain in school often have trouble concentrating and develop learning difficulties. Others react aggressively, sometimes bullying other classmates in an effort to regain status.

Children who are bullied are 5 times more likely to be depressed than their peers and bullied girls are 8 times more likely to be suicidal.