Anti-Bullying Laws Reduce Suicide Rates, Study Suggests

According to working research circulated by the National Bureau of Economic Research, the increase in anti-bullying laws across the U.S. is associated with reduced bullying, depression and thoughts of suicide amongst teenagers.

The researchers studied death rates and student behavioral surveys from before and after the anti-bulling laws were implemented in various states.

Of particular note, the study shows the adoption of anti-bullying laws impacts teen girls significantly. “We find that [anti-bullying laws] are associated with reductions in bullying victimization, depression and suicidal behaviors among high school students, especially among female high school students,” according to the researchers. These laws are associate with a 5% drop in depression, a 9% drop in suicidal thoughts, and a 15% drop in suicides for girls between the ages of 14 and 18. The researchers opined that since bullying incites more physiological trauma for female students than male students, the anti-bullying laws generate greater mental health benefits. This leads to the reduction in depression and suicide suggested in the research.

What Is Bullying?

Bullying can take many forms: verbal, physical, and/or social. Particularly for teenagers, bullying may take place outside of school property in the form of cyberbullying. Cyberbullies may make threats through social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat. They may send, post, or share harmful, false, or private information about a victim, causing humiliation and harm. The prevalence of cyberbullying has amplified the issue in recent years, especially among teenagers.

Was Your Child Injured or Committed Suicide After Being Bullied?

While bullying is often written off as part of growing up, bullying can have serious consequences influencing a student’s well-being and safety. Stories of classmate bullying ending in violence, attempted suicide or suicide are far too common. If school officials are aware of persistent harassment and bullying and fail to act, they may be liable.

Want to Know if You Have a Valid Claim?

If your child sustained mental or physical injuries, or took his or her own life after being bullied at school, you may be able to file a bullying lawsuit against the parties responsible for inflicting harm on your child.