Examining childhood bullying and adolescent suicide: implications for school nurses

J Sch Nurs. 2012 Aug;28(4):275-83. doi: 10.1177/1059840512438617. Epub 2012 Feb 14.

Abstract

Adolescent suicide is a preventable tragedy yet is still the third leading cause of death in young people of age 10-24. Contrary to the idea that childhood bullying is a normal part of growing up or a rite of passage, it is now correlated with adolescent suicidality. An integrative review of the contemporary, extant literature was conducted to examine the following question: Are adolescents who have been involved in childhood bullying or cyberbullying as victim, offender, or victim/offender at greater risk for suicidality than those who have not. It is important to empower school nurses with current and evidence-based information regarding childhood bullying and examine empirical science and tools to effectively address the current serious problem of adolescent suicide risk assessment and intervention.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Psychiatry*
  • Bullying / psychology*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening
  • Mental Health
  • Nurse's Role*
  • Risk Assessment / methods
  • School Nursing*
  • Suicide / psychology
  • Suicide Prevention*
  • Young Adult