AMA’s Recommendations on Bullying

The report on bullying that the AMA adopted in June contains the following conclusions and recommendations:

• The AMA recognizes bullying as a complex and abusive behavior with potentially serious social and mental health consequences for children and adolescents.

• The AMA will advocate for federal support of research to develop and test programs to prevent or reduce bullying.

• The AMA urges physicians to be vigilant for signs and symptoms of bullying and screen for psychiatric comorbidities in at-risk patients.

• The AMA will advocate for federal, state, and local resources to increase the capacity of schools to provide safe and effective educational programs by which students can learn to reduce and prevent violence.

• The AMA will advocate for expanded funding for programs for assessment, consultation, and intervention services for bullies and their victims.

• The AMA urges parents and other caretakers of children and adolescents to be actively involved in their child’s school and community activities and teach children how to interact socially, resolve conflicts, deal with frustration, and cope with anger and stress.