Students who are bullied in school are more likely to have access to a loaded gun than their peers, causing an increased risk for youth violence and self-harm, according to new research.
In a study released July 3 by the University of Washington School of Public Health in the Journal of Adolescent Health, researchers analyzed if being bullied increases the likelihood of having access to a loaded gun without adult permission. The study used data from the 2011 and 2013 School Crime Supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey, which asks students about being bullied.
The study analyzed more than 10,700 students ages 12 to 18, finding that 4.2 percent of students overall could access a loaded weapon, but those who were traditionally bullied, physically or verbally, were two times more likely to report access. Students who were cyberbullied through email, text messages and social media were three times more likely to report access to a loaded gun without adult permission.
According to the study, overall access was more common among males than females, and among older students than younger students. More than 5 percent of students who were traditionally bullied reported access; 9.2 percent of those cyberbullied reported access. Fifteen percent of those who experienced both types of bullying reported access to a loaded gun.
“The strength of the association between bullying and gun access is alarming,” said Maayan Simckes, PhD, lead author of the study, in a news release. “We’re not sure why bullied students are more likely to report access to gun, but we now know the risk is there and it is high.”
The study brings to light the importance of interventions focused on addressing bullying, assisting targets of bully victimization and stopping youth access to firearms. Students who are bullied face an increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness and low self-esteem, according to the study. In turn, they are more likely to attempt suicide, abuse substances and sustain injury.
Gun violence is the leading cause of death and injury for teenagers in the U.S. The study authors called for interventions to reduce access to guns and bullying among students.
For more information, visit https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28652055.
- Copyright The Nation’s Health, American Public Health Association
