Bullying is a widespread problem that seems to dominate the news cycle almost daily. Adrian Paul sits down with teens, parents, teachers and social workers to discuss how they are working to combat bullying and promote healthy behaviors.
As one of the nation’s leading pediatric research organizations, Seattle Children’s Research Institute is dedicated to providing hope, care and cures to help every child live the healthiest and most fulfilling life possible. Researchers at the Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development (CCHBD) work collaboratively to address obesity, adolescent depression, the impact of media and other major issues affecting children.
On Live Life Forward, Dr. Megan Moreno, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and a member of the Division of Adolescent Medicine at Seattle Children’s Hospital, shares her research that focuses on the effects of cyberbullying on childhood development.
Traditional bullying is very common, affecting 18-31% of children and youth, while cyberbullying affects 7-15%. Bullying has both short and long-term consequences for both the bully and the target, including physical symptoms such as headaches and sleep problems, as well as anxiety, depression and substance abuse. It is also associated with increased risk of suicide and of school failure.
Dr. Moreno’s research provides education to adolescents and families towards safe Internet use, and helps them to create and interpret messages within social media that promote healthy behaviors.