Bullying at school:: description, vulnerability and psychopathological repercussions

Bullying is a repetitive physical and/or psychological violence perpetrated against one victim ("bullied") by one or more "bullies" exerting a moral pressure. Ten per cent of social relationships within school environments are believed to be concerned. Bullying may imply vulnerability if not pathogenic consequences. Attackers' and victims' psychological and even psychopathological features have been studied and interactional typologies have been identified. The symptoms which are most often revealed by victims are: anxious anticipation or even "school phobia", psycho traumatic expressions, depressive states and suicidal ideation (sometimes leading to act), somatization, sleeping disorders...; the impact of bullying on the developmental trajectory is important. The extent of the problem is so large in some schools that a real domination culture exists which polarizes the whole management of the institution as well as behaviours. A first identification stage including a close collaboration with school environment, healthcare, children social assistance and justice professionals as well as with families seems necessary. (C) 2004 Elsevier SAS. Tons droits reserves.