YOUNG PEOPLE AND MENTAL HEALTH - IN A CHANGING WORLD
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YOUNG PEOPLE AND
MENTAL HEALTH
IN A CHANGING WORLD
This report was developed by the World Federation for Mental Health in collaboration with the mental health community, and thanks to a sponsorship by H. Lundbeck A/S as a contribution to public health on World Mental Health Day.
https://wfmh.global/wmhd2018/ 1
The opinions expressed by the report do not necessarily represent the opinions of H. Lundbeck A/S.
The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) is an international membership
organization founded in 1948 to advance, among all peoples and nations, the
prevention of mental and emotional disorders, the proper treatment and care of
those with such disorders, and the promotion of mental health.
The WFMH established World Mental Health Day (WMHDAY) on 10 October 1992. The Deputy Secretary General,
Richard Hunter, was instrumental in starting the project, which quickly evolved into a worldwide observance. Each
year WFMH provides a different packet of information on a selected topic. People in many countries hold events
and use World Mental Health Day to draw attention to the importance of mental health, knowing there is much tobe
done to increase public education and advocacy.
This year is a new beginning for the
World Mental Health Day Campaign!
After 25 years of World Mental Health Day and the 70th Anniversary of the World Federation for Mental Health – we
are announcing a new visual identity! This new image shows off the key elements of the project - mental health
awareness as a green ribbon and the rays of the sun getting stronger and brighter, representing the way the project
has helped the mental health movement and the individual’s progress towards recovery.
We will allow people to use the logo for their World Mental Health Day events, with permission from the Secretariat
(info@wfmh.com). We hope everyone will help us spread the new image around the world!
https://wfmh.global/wmhd2018/ 2Table of Contents
4 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT 35 SUICIDE AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Suicide, WHO
5 THE IMPORTANCE OF THE 2018 WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY
...... THEME Suicide Prevention Fact Sheet, NIMH Resource Center
Self-harm and Suicide in Young People, Dr Rohan Borschmann, Dr Shil-
6 BULLYING pa Aggarwal, Prof George Patton
Sit with Us, Natalie Hampton
Cyberbullying, Carol Todd 50 GENDER IDENTITY AND MENTAL WELLBEING
Childhood Bullying ‘Damages Adult Life’, BBC News Supporting the Mental Health of Sexual and Gender Minority (LGBTI)
Adolescents
Preventing Cyberbullying, Top 10 Tips for Teens, Cyberbullying.org
Answers to Your Questions – About Transgender People, Gender Iden-
tity, and Gender Expression, American Psychological Association
14 EFFECTS OF TRAUMA ON YOUNG PEOPLE
LGBTQ Mental Health Issues
Children from All Walks of Life Endure Violence and Millions More are
at Risk, UNICEF
The Invisible Trauma of War-Affected Children, Robert T Muller 61 THE WAY FORWARD – PREVENTION, RESILIENCE AND SUPPORT
Talking Point: Helping Youth Following Mass Violence, Rutgers Univ. International Suicide Hotlines
Mental Health Preparation and First Responses for Young People Fac- Imagine a World Without Stigma
ing Natural or Man-Made Disasters Alan Cohen, Yotam Dagan
Resilience in Young People
23 MAJOR MENTAL ILLNESS AND YOUNG PEOPLE The Impact of School Violence and Bullying – The Response
Teenagers Guide to Depression, Helpguide.org
Health Topics, NIMH
Early Intervention, Patrick McGorry
Prevention and Early Intervention in Mental Health, Mental Health
America
https://wfmh.global/wmhd2018/ 3Message from the President
As we watch the news, scroll the internet and talk to family and friends around the world, it’s apparent that instability, violence and constant traumatic
events are becoming daily occurrences. Discrimination is out of the dark alleys and into the mainstream again and mental illness seems to be on the
rise but many young people are not seeking treatment that could inevitably help lessen the severity of their illness and give them the tools to live a more
productive and stable life.
Our young people today face constant stressors and challenges – happening in their own lives and in the world around them. Many of the issues facing
our young people today, such as, bullying, suicide, the onset of major mental illnesses, the effects of trauma, and gender identity discrimination require
our time and attention, global awareness and compassion, as well as new programs and guidelines on how we can protect and empower the next gener-
ation.
As we discuss the issues of this year’s theme, we have chosen to focus on people in the age ranges of 14-28 – identified as youth, young people and
young adults. The information is appropriate for those before and after these general ages but we have tried to focus on the time in life where the most
changes – externally and internally – usually happen.
This year, World Mental Health Day will talk about the issues facing young people and cover a small portion of the great research, stories, ideas and pro-
grams out there to help the next generations be strong and resilient in the face of hardship, life changes, discrimination and destruction. This informa-
tion is only the beginning – there is an abundance of great information, organizations and advocates out there fighting for the wellbeing of young people,
so follow the links, check out topic specific organizations and authors and learn all you can to help promote the theme.
We ask that you join the 2018 World Mental Health Day campaign and help us create a larger audience, a greater impact and a unified voice for global
mental health!
Consider holding a World Mental Health Day event in your community. Use the material in this document to help you educate others and ‘spread the
word’. Join us on social media to make this year the largest and strongest online gathering of people concerned with mental health! We need to join to-
gether on social media and in our homes, communities, schools, and businesses to shine a spotlight on the needs of teens and young adults!
WFMH President
Professor Alberto Trimboli
Stay Connected
Stay Connected
@WMHDay
@WMHDay
#WorldMentalHealthDay
#WorldMentalHealthDay
@WHMDAY1
https://wfmh.global/wmhd2018/ 4The Importance of the 2018 World Mental
Health Day Theme
YOUNG PEOPLE AND MENTAL HEALTH IN A The United Nations, for statistical pur- Every 10 minutes, somewhere in the
CHANGING WORLD poses, defines those persons between world, an adolescent girl dies as a
the ages of 15 and 24 as youth without result of violence.
The best path to lifelong wellness is one that prejudice to other definitions by Mem-
starts with good mental health. Young people ber States. -United Nations Children’s Fund
that grow up with additional stressors due to the
effects of trauma, transgender discrimination,
major mental illness, bullying and suicide are far
more likely to have mental health issues through-
out the rest of their lives.
World Mental Health Day 2018 will show the Suicide is the second leading cause of 83% of young people say bully-
importance of creating more services and better death among 15–29-year-olds. ing has a negative impact on their
care for our young people, and the issues they self-esteem
are experiencing the most these days. The acts -World Health Organization
of prevention, early interventions, resilience, -ditchthelabel.org
available information and services are the key
factors in creating a healthy future for our young
people.
1 in 5 young people suffer from a men- Among nearly 100 transgender
tal illness, that’s 20 percent of our pop- youth, ages 12 to 24, 51% reported
ulation but yet only about 4 percent of ever thinking about suicide, while
the total health care budget is spent on 30% had attempted it at least once in
our mental health. their lives.
-teenmentalhealth.org -Center for Transyouth Health at Children’s
Hospital Los Angeles
https://wfmh.global/wmhd2018/ 5Bullying
Bullying is widely one of the most negative aspects of youth and young adult-
hood. This is an issue that transcends culture, religion, economic status – it
is a global problem that not only impacts a person’s self-esteem, but it harms
their education, their physical and mental wellbeing. In the 2016 UNICEF U-Re-
port/SRSG-VAC opinion poll on the experience of bullying to which 100,000
young people in 18 countries responded, among those who had experienced
bullying - 25% reported that they had been bullied because of their physical ap-
pearance, 25% because of their gender or sexual orientation and 25% because
of their ethnicity or national origin.
https://wfmh.global/wmhd2018/ 6Sit With Us /Natalie Hampton
In middle school, I went through a severe bully- coming. Something as seemingly small as lunch spaces (such as nurses in hospitals). The app
ing experience in which I was verbally bullied, cy- can make huge strides in making a school more has been featured by under “New Apps We Love”
ber bullied, and physically attacked. Apart from inclusive because if kids are more kind to each in the Apple Store, has been covered in interna-
the violence, one of the worst things was having other at lunch, then they are more likely to be tional media (print, TV, and radio), has garnered
to eat lunch alone, and the embarrassment of kind in the classroom, and outside of the class- numerous awards, and is included in three mu-
having others see me eating lunch alone. After room. seums (including the Smithsonian). For schools
I changed schools, and landed in a much more that do not allow cell phone use, I created an
kind community, I would always invite people to The way Sit With Us works is that users down- analog version of the program that achieves the
join my group whenever I saw someone eating load the app and create a profile page with a same results.
lunch alone. Some of these kids, one girl in par- photo, bio, and list of interests, like any other so-
ticular, are now my best friends, whom I never
would have met if I hadn’t invited them over. I
cial network. Users must input their school name
and address, so that lunch events are sorted by “The first lesson is that you are nev-
er too young to make a difference.
”
later learned that one girl who I had invited over that geographical location. They are then offered
had been struggling with self-harm and thoughts the opportunity to be a Sit With Us Ambassador
of suicide at that time. Finding new friends for their schools in which they sign a pledge to I have been invited to speak at many large
changed her mind, and changed the course of post open lunch events from time to time in the conferences, including the UN Youth Assembly
her high school path for the better. I saw first- app, and to make anyone who joins the table feel (from the podium in the Great Assembly Hall),
hand that one small act of kindness - something welcome. If a kid is looking for a place to sit, he and TEDxTeen. I also speak at local schools and
that may not have meant much to me at the time or she can simply open the app, and find a table in public libraries. I receive messages frequent-
-- made a huge difference in her life. to join under the “featured events” tab without ly from people all over the world, either saying
any fear of rejection. Instead of holding up a sign that the app is helping them make their lives
“Ikindness
saw firsthand that one small act of
- something that may not
that says “lonely kids eat here”, it is all very dis-
creet, and no one will know the difference. At my
former school, if I had been able to find one ally, I
better, or thanking me for providing an effective
tool for kids to make their school communities
more kind. Recognizing the effectiveness of my
have meant much to me at the time believe I would have had a different experience. solution, six prominent anti-bullying organiza-
-made a huge difference in her life.
”
tions are partnering with me, including PACER’s
I released the app for IOS in the Apple Store in National Bullying Prevention Center, Champions
September 2016, and the Android version in Feb- Against Bullying, and United Against Bullying.
I decided that I wanted to affect this kind of ruary 2017. Since inception, I have gained over
change on a larger scale, so I created a free, I formed a non-profit (Sit With Us, Inc.) and my
100,000 users in eight countries worldwide, and company has received grants from Samsung,
lunch planning app called Sit With Us (http:// it continues to grow every day. Sit With Us is the
www.sitwithus.io) that helps kids find allies in Disney, Youth Service America, Ryan Seacrest,
largest club on my school campus, and I see so and others. I am incredibly grateful for the op-
their schools and safe places to sit at lunch. I many smiling faces in the lunch area every day.
believe that every school has up standers like portunity to have met so many teenagers who
To my surprise, the app is being used for lunch have similar stories to mine, and my goal is to
me who want to take an active role in improving and meeting planning by adults in colleges,
their community to make it more warm and wel- help make exclusion a thing of the past for all of
places of worship, conferences, and large work- them.
https://wfmh.global/wmhd2018/ 7“Second, I want people to know that
whatever they are struggling with,
My third and final point is to remind people to
choose kindness. It’s up to us to make a differ-
ence in our communities -- to leave the world a
they are not alone.
”
This pivotal experience of my life has taught me
better place than how we found it. Having been
on both sides, the person who was excluded
and the person who invites anyone sitting alone
several important lessons that I try to share with to join the lunch table, I know that my app can
others when I am doing community outreach. make a difference. I believe that if we spread
The first lesson is that you are never too young kindness out into the world, it comes back to us.
to make a difference. When I initially presented Even if you don’t use the app, you can embody
the idea to my parents, they looked at me like I the spirit of Sit With Us by inviting someone who
was crazy. And yet only one year later, I am run- is sitting alone to join you. You never know –
ning a global non-profit, and a leading a move- your future best friend might be sitting at the
ment to spread kindness. Sometimes what may next table and Sit With Us can help you take the
seem impossible at first is truly very possible if first step.
you put in the effort to make it succeed. Second,
I want people to know that whatever they are
struggling with, they are not alone. When I was
being victimized, I thought that nobody else in
the world understood what I was going through.
But now that I have been able to connect with
people through my app, I have found that so
many others out there have stories so similar to
mine. We are living in a world filled with humans
seeking a connection, so no matter what; people
need to know that they are not alone.
“My third and final point is to remind
people to choose kindness. It’s up
to us to make a difference in our
communities - to leave the world a
betterplace than how we found it.
”
Natalie Hampton
CEO/Founder of Sit With Us, Inc.
2017 Global Teen Leader | TEDxTeen
https://wfmh.global/wmhd2018/ 8Cyber Bullying /Carol Todd
The 2018 theme for World Mental Health Day is she felt. She feared the judgement from others. support of mental health. This day provides
‘young people and mental health in a changing There was always the constant worrying about an opportunity for all stakeholders working
world’. Our world is indeed changing rapidly on a what others thought or what they may or may be on mental health issues to talk about their
day to day basis, both in the physical world and saying to her or others. There is a feeling of help- work, and what more needs to be done to
in the virtual online world. lessness and hopelessness, and many suffering make mental health care a reality for people
often feel disconnected to others. Remembering worldwide.
Bullying and cyberbullying continue to have no how Amanda struggled with ongoing cyberbul-
boundaries and have confused guidelines in this lying and personal mental health challenges, CYBERBULLYING AND MENTAL HEALTH +
changing world. These acts of hate and hurt can reminds us how important to not only share her SOLUTIONS
happen anywhere in the world, at any time and story, but to continue to talk about the reasons As we continue to hear stories about not only
with any ages. The focus of what we see and why awareness is needed about mental health cyberbullying but the effects that it has on one’s
read is primarily on youth. and especially how cyberbullying is involved. emotional health, we must find the patience and
perseverance to include talking about mental
Kids want so badly for their peers to accept health and also ways to promote mental well-
AMANDAS STORY
them and to be their friends. Teenagers want the ness. We can’t let those who suffer go through
On October 10th, 2012, despite support and
same thing but show it in different ways. They their struggles alone. We have to let them know
help, Amanda took her life. Her death brought
have the group mentality. And when something that there is someone by their side to help, nur-
attention worldwide to the effects of bullying,
doesn’t go their way, they use the group to fight ture and be with them. As I said in last year’s
cyberbullying and exploitation as she had posted
back because … that group has made a pact to blog post, there is a distinct difference between
an 8 minute video 5 weeks before her death by
belong together. healthy vs unhealthy and that is also the differ-
suicide chronicling what had happened to her
by her peers and others. This in turn, created ence between choosing live vs death.
Technology has created a new sense of belong- conversations about bullying, mental health and
ing. It seems to be easier to find a connection suicide around the world. This coming October
online. But is that online connection always the “Bullying can affect everyone—those who are
10th, it will be 6 years since Amanda’s death.
one we want? Is it real? Is it truthful? Is it really bullied, those who bully, and those who witness
Her story continues to evolve and has been
belonging if we don’t know the person at the oth- bullying. Bullying is linked to many negative out-
talked about with governmental agencies, law
er end? Remembering the term - ‘a false sense comes including impacts on mental health, sub-
enforcements, schools and more.
of belonging’, does that phrase apply to technol- stance use, and suicide.” - stopbullying.gov
ogy in the 21st century?
Amanda’s Legacy was created with a focus on
Technology plays a vital role today in all our lives advocating for increased awareness, education We know that young people are affected greatly
and especially in the lives of young people. We and action on cyberbullying and mental health by the effects of cyberbullying which is ‘hate
only hope that everyone can act appropriately related issues. Amanda’s death coincided with speech via technology use’. How do we get
both offline and especially online when using World Mental Health Day on October 10th. With young people to change their behaviours? How
their technology devices. Sadly, this isn’t always this date in mind, her legacy began a campaign do we get parents and schools more involved
the case. We need to realize that the ill-natured of awareness and we titled it ‘Light Up Purple for with this issue of concern? There are many
behaviours of some, deeply affect the lives of World Mental Health Day’. risk factors that arise from cyberbullying. Is it
another. It is our responsibility as role models, about the social media platforms? Are we doing
caregivers and bystanders to model appropriate enough as adults to help find the answers for our
World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 young people?
behaviours for all to see. October every year, with the overall objective
of raising awareness of mental health issues
Amanda was very much afraid to talk about how around the world and mobilizing efforts in “Our conversations surrounding mental health
https://wfmh.global/wmhd2018/ 9have increased in the last five years with more One of the many things that I have learned is to and understand that it is okay to talk out loud
people speaking out about their own personal be able to listen to others and realize that every- about mental health and wellness, and to help to
challenges. These include voices of celebrities, one has a story to share. Active listening without de-stigmatize it.
sports figures, and the average person you see judgement can make the biggest difference in
walking on the street. When we hear of yet an- someone’s life. As we move towards October 10th, we must
other story of suicide, it creates opportunities to
LIGHT UP PURPLE remember to take action and ensure that #Men-
talk about what we are feeling and that it’s also
The Light Up Purple campaign for World Mental talHealthMatters. We must do this, not only for
okay to ask for help. We know that education
Health Day was initiated in October 2013. This one day, but to continue the conversations 365
and awareness is necessary to bring together
year marks the 6th year that Amanda’s Legacy days a year with a vengeance. We must think
the conversations needed to break the cycle
will be requesting that landmarks, organizations, about the stories that make us smile and feel
of harm to self and others. We must change
businesses and people do something significant good. We must be that person to identify and
the discussions and raise the commitment for
on October 10th for World Mental Health Day. support others through happiness and pain. We
action. We cannot be afraid to speak out about
It continues to be an initiative that has brought must be able to let others know that it is a sign
these issues with words and actions of more
about increased global awareness and mental of strength to ask for help, not weakness.
honesty and openness. It is important that peo-
ple know that there is always someone out there health education into the lives of families and
who wants to help. The stigma of asking for their children of all ages. The short and long You can be involved too. Time to think CRE-
help is often seen as a sign of weakness, when term effects of cyber-abusive behaviours with ATIVELY for October 10th!! You are encouraged
in fact, it is a sign of strength. It’s not easy to respect to mental health continue to be an ongo- to do something that will begin or continue the
ask for help. We must change the discussions ing topic of discussion among many. conversations around cyberbullying and mental
and raise the commitment for action. We cannot health. Think #Purple or any other colour you
be afraid to speak out about these issues with According to Wikipedia it is defined as “a day feel reflects World Mental Health Day. You can:
words and actions of more honesty and open- for global mental health education, awareness shine a purple light, make your social media
ness. Channelling Amanda’s Legacy, I hope that and advocacy.” It was first celebrated in 1992 as profile purple, make purple Jell-O, paint purple
one day our world will be filled with kindness, an initiative of the World Federation for Mental eggs, and decorate purple cookies. Just be CRE-
respect, empathy and compassion.” Health, a global mental health organization with ATIVE and UNABASHED and always remember
members in more than 150 countries. On this that #MentalHealthMatters and that we need to
day every October, thousands of supporters #EndCyberbullying in whatever ways that matter.
Where does respect and compassion come into bring attention to mental illness and its effects
play when we are teaching our young people? on people’s lives worldwide.
We are at the crossroads where there needs to Then be sure to join the conversation on Twitter
be more of a focus on teaching how to interact and Instagram by sharing your images and using
both online and offline and make a difference in Why was purple chosen? One of the reasons for #MakeTodayPositive, #WorldMentalHealthDay,
how young people treat each other. Our young choosing purple includes the combined color of #stopbullying.
people are already growing up in the vulnerable pink (Canada’s Pink Shirt initiative) & blue (U.S.
time in their lives with social media, school, peer anti-bullying + mental health awareness) would
be a blended colour to signify unity and change. CONCLUSION
pressure, etc. We are seeing increased vulnera-
Structures light up in purple around the world, It is important to keep asking ourselves ques-
bilities among our youth. What is needed is for
and people find ways to acknowledge the day in tions such as - “What can we do to #EndCyber-
those who see something, need to say some-
purple ways. Ask people to go find something bullying and to promote positive mental health?”
thing. We have to remember that there can be
purple and to show it off to others. When we and “What things can we do to make a differ-
lasting effects of bullying and cyberbullying that
are asked “what is all the purple about?”, then ence?”:
go on in the lives of many.
we can share the reason(s). We need to know
https://wfmh.global/wmhd2018/ 10Listen to others with care and support If someone asks you “Why #purple today?”, websites for Amanda Todd Legacy and Light Up
Build healthy relationships both individual- make sure to share why and also take the time to Purple where you will find more information on
ly and in the family ask back “Have you got a story to share because how to join in and participate with the campaign
Family communication – built with trust I would like to listen?” for World Mental Health Day 2018.
and respect, this will provide another layer
of protection and safety within family dy- Carol Todd
To learn more about Amanda Todd Legacy and
namics. Parent, Educator, Advocate
how you can join in the support of making the
Empowering our children to be strong and Founder, Amanda Todd Legacy
world a place filled with less bullying, cyberbully-
to be able to walk away and tell someone ing and more mental health support, go to the
if something is making them feel uncom-
fortable
Most importantly, to establish TECH FREE
TIMES for all family members and to _ ___ CYBERBULLYING FACTS Bullying is predatory and antagonistic behavior that con-
spend this time doing something together tributes to the silent misery of millions of students and
Knowing about bullying and the effects it has on others can puts some at increased risk for suicidal thoughts and be-
I want Amanda to be remembered, not for her be upsetting and life changing. Regardless, they are the haviors. - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.;
death, but for a bigger cause. I don’t want her facts and we must pay attention to them. It is important Hinduja, S., & Patchin, J. W. (2010)
legacy to fade. I want people to remember why to keep informed so that we know what to say to our kids.
this all started. She wanted to help people. She As adults, we cannot hide from the reality that wrongful Cyberbullying was defined as threatening or aggressive
behaviours online (otherwise talked about as cyberbullying) emails, texts or online posts, embarrassing or threatening
wanted people to treat people with compassion hurts others in varying degrees. However much time is pictures posted online, or using someone’s identity to send
and support them not laugh at them. We are needed, we must spend time to learn how to talk with our out or post embarrassing or threatening information.
fragile and unique; just like snowflakes and like kids about the repercussions of bullying. We need to teach
Amanda. No two are the same. We are ALL dif- about RESPECT, COMPASSION, EMPATHY and ultimately Bullying is any unwanted aggressive behavior(s) by anoth-
ferent and that’s ok. KINDNESS! er youth or group of youths who are not siblings or current
dating partners that involves an observed or perceived
power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is high-
I can only hope that somewhere, Amanda is able ly likely to be repeated. - Cyberbullying.org (2017)
to see what many of us are doing in order to We must think about the questions that spark the conver-
make not only her voice but the voices of others sations: Children have the ability and resiliency to protect em-
heard. She would have not only wanted us to selves and others and to alter their own behaviour once
What is cyberbullying? Why does it happen? they are effectively informed about the risks. We should
speak out for cyberbullying and mental health be empowering children at an early age to become good
but to also educate on how to use technology in digital citizens and make informed and responsible choic-
Where does cyberbullying occur?
a reputable way. es when they use online media. - Marvin Bernstein, UNICEF
Canada
How are kids being affected?
Just as the gentle snowflake falls from the sky: In the past 4 weeks 42% of Canadian youth have been
Delicate. Beautiful. Unique. And fragile. Those What are the strategies and solutions to make the
cyberbullied and 60% of Canadian youth witnessed others
are similar qualities to what each of us in this problem lessen?
being cyberbullied. - Helping our kids deal with cyberbully-
world might feel. That snowflake joins many oth- ing. A TELUS Wise parent’s guide. -TELUS Wise (May 2018)
ers to make the landscape (although cold) beau-
tiful. We must embrace the beauty of others and 1 in 5 girls are cyberbullied, 1 in 10 boys are cyberbullied,
create that harmonious landscape for all of us. 92% of teens ages 13-17 go online daily - StopBullying.org
- https://www.stopbullying.gov/sites/default/files/2017-10/
cyberbullying-infographic.pdf
https://wfmh.global/wmhd2018/ 11Childhood Bullying “Damages Adult Life” /BBC NEWS
Bullying in childhood “throws a long shadow”
into victims’ adult lives, suggests research in-
dicating long-term negative consequences for
“ We cannot continue to dismiss bul-
lying as a harmless, almost inevita-
Such “pure bullies” were identified as often being
strong and healthy and socially capable - with
their manipulative and aggressive behavior being
health, job prospects and relationships. ble, part of growing up. We need to seen as “deviant” rather than reflecting that they
were “emotionally troubled”.
The study tracked more than 1,400 people be- change this mindset and acknowl-
edge this as a serious problem.
”
tween the ages of nine and 26. The study included verbal, physical and psy-
chological bullying and the comparisons were
School bullies were also more likely to grow up - Dieter Wolke, University of Warwick adjusted to take into account social background
into adult criminals. factors, such as family hardship, family stability
All of those involved in bullying, as victims or and dysfunction.
The study, from Warwick University in the UK aggressors, had outcomes that were generally
and Duke University in the US, concludes bullying worse than the average for those who had not “We cannot continue to dismiss bullying as a
should not be seen as “a harmless rite of pas- been involved in bullying. harmless, almost inevitable, part of growing up.
sage”. We need to change this mindset and acknowl-
Those who had been victims of bullying, without edge this as a serious problem for both the in-
The long-term impact of bullying in childhood becoming bullies themselves, were more likely dividual and the country as a whole; the effects
was examined through the experiences of three to have mental health problems, more serious are long-lasting and significant,” said Prof Dieter
different groups - those who had been bullied, illnesses and had a greater likelihood of being in Wolke of the University of Warwick.
those who had carried out the bullying and those poverty.
who had been both victims of bullying and had “In the case of bully-victims, it shows how bully-
also carried out bullying themselves. But compared with “bully-victims” they were ing can spread when left untreated. Some inter-
more likely to have been successful in education ventions are already available in schools but new
Long-term damage and making friends. tools are needed to help health professionals to
The research, published in Psychological Sci- identify, monitor and deal with the ill-effects of
ence, suggests the most negative outcomes There were also distinctive patterns for those bullying. The challenge we face now is commit-
were for those who had been both victims and who had been bullies, but who had not been bul- ting the time and resource to these interventions
perpetrators of bullying, described in the study lied themselves. to try and put an end to bullying.”
as “bully-victims”.
These “pure bullies” were more likely to have Emma-Jane Cross, founder of the anti-bullying
Described as “easily provoked, low in self-es- been sacked from jobs, to be in a violent rela- charity BeatBullying, said: “This groundbreaking
teem, poor at understanding social cues, and tionship and to be involved in risky or illegal study shines a light on what has been an over-
unpopular with peers”, these children grew into behavior, such as getting drunk, taking drugs, looked subject for society and the economy. The
adults six times more likely to have a “serious fighting, lying and having one-night stands with findings demonstrate for the first time just how
illness, smoke regularly or develop a psychiatric strangers. far-reaching and damaging the consequences of
disorder”. bullying can be.”
They were much more likely to have committed
By their mid-20s, these former “bully-victims” offences such as breaking into property.
were more likely to be obese, to have left school BBC NEWS
without qualifications, to have drifted through However in terms of health and wealth, bullies By Sean Coughlan
jobs and less likely to have friends. had more successful outcomes than either the Education Correspondent
victims of bullying or those who were both bul- https://www.bbc.com/news/educa-
lies and victims. tion-23756749
https://wfmh.global/wmhd2018/ 12Preventing Cyberbullying /Top Ten Tips for Teens
1. Educate yourself. To prevent cyberbullying too could contain a virus designed to collect
your personal or private information.
social networking sites like Facebook and Goo-
gle + offer you the ability to share certain infor-
from occurring you must understand exactly
what it is. Research what constitutes cyberbully- mation with friends only, but these settings must
be configured in ordered to ensure maximum
ing, as well as how and where it is most likely to 5. Log out of online accounts. Don’t save pass- protection.
occur. Talk to your friends about what they are words in form fields within web sites or your web
seeing and experiencing. browser for convenience, and don’t stay logged
in when you walk away from the computer or
cell phone. Don’t give anyone even the slightest 9. “Google” yourself. Regularly search your
name in every major search engine (e.g., Google,
2. Protect your password. Safeguard your pass- chance to pose as you online through your de-
vice. If you forget to log out of Facebook when Bing, and Yahoo). If any personal information or
word and other private information from prying photo comes up which may be used by aggres-
eyes. Never leave passwords or other identifying using the computer at the library, the next person
who uses that computer could get into your ac- sors to target you, take action to have it removed
information where others can see it. Also, never before it becomes a problem.
give out this information to anyone, even your count and cause significant problems for you.
best friend. If others know it, take the time to
change it now!
10. Don’t be a cyberbully yourself. Treat others
6. Pause before you post. Do not post anything how
that may compromise your reputation. People you would want to be treated. By being a
jerk to others online, you are reinforcing the idea
3. Keep photos “PG.” Before posting or send- will judge you based on how you appear to them
online. They will also give or deny you opportu- that the behavior is acceptable.
ing that sexy image of yourself, consider if it’s
something you would want your parents, grand- nities (jobs, scholarships, internships) based on
parents, and the rest of the world to see. Bullies this.
can use this picture as ammunition to make life
miserable for you. This Top Ten List specifies how teenagers can
7. Raise awareness. Start a movement, create a keep themselves safe from online harassment
club, build a campaign, or host an event to bring and victimization online.
4. Never open unidentified or unsolicited awareness to cyberbullying. While you may un-
derstand what it is, it’s not until others are aware Find more fact sheets and information at Cyber-
messages. Never open messages (emails, text bullying.org
messages, Facebook messages, etc.) from of it too that we can truly prevent it from occur-
people you don’t know, or from known bullies. ring.
Hinduja, S. & Patchin, J.W. (2012). Preventing Cy-
Delete them without reading. They could contain
berbullying: Top ten tips for teens. Cyberbullying
viruses that automatically infect your device if
Research Center. Retrieved [August 2018], from
opened. Also never click on links to pages that 8. Set up privacy controls. Restrict access of https://cyberbullying.org/Top-Ten-Tips-Teens-
are sent from someone you don’t know. These your online profile to trusted friends only. Most Prevention.pdf
https://wfmh.global/wmhd2018/ 13The Effects of Trauma on
Young People
In this date in time, young people are in more peril than ever before. The in-
ternational news carries increasing stories about violence and trauma and
it seems to be increasing on a daily basis. While the stories are often about
adults, there are always children involved. The refugee population increases
with countries being less willing to relocate them. Children are witnessing vi-
olence and disasters on a regular basis and can be affected by these events
around them, with the consequences lasting a lifetime. A traumatic event can
be anything from domestic abuse, neglect, floods, earthquakes, gun violence,
war, physical assaults and accidents. Some trauma is common in a lifetime but
young people who do not have support systems, years of increased resilience
can be affected in ways that can last for months, years or a lifetime.
https://wfmh.global/wmhd2018/ 14Children From All Walks of Life Endure Violence,
and Millions More Are At Risk /UNICEF
Violence against children takes many forms, rience learning difficulties and perform poorly at tion services are unavailable. The lack of ade-
including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, school. They may have low self-esteem and suf- quate data on the issue is likely compounding
and may involve neglect or deprivation. Violence fer from depression, which can lead, at worst, to the problem by fueling the misconception that
occurs in many settings, including the home, risk behavior and self-harm. Witnessing violence violence remains a marginal phenomenon, af-
school, community and over the Internet. Sim- can cause similar distress. Children who grow fecting only certain categories of children and
ilarly, a wide range of perpetrators commit vio- up in a violent household or community tend to perpetrated solely by offenders with biological
lence against children, such as family members, internalize that behavior as a way of resolving predispositions to violent behavior. One of the
intimate partners, teachers, neighbors, strang- disputes, repeating the pattern of violence and limitations inherent in any attempt to document
ers and other children. Such violence not only abuse against their own spouses and children. violence against children is what it leaves out:
inflicts harm, pain and humiliation on children; Beyond the tragic effects on individuals and fam- the presumably large numbers of children unable
it also kills. All children have the right to pro- ilies, violence against children carries serious or unwilling to report their experiences.
tection from violence, regardless of the nature economic and social costs in both lost potential
or severity of the act and all forms of violence and reduced productivity. The process of understanding and addressing
can cause harm to children, reduce their sense violence against children will continue to be
of self-worth, affront their dignity and hinder While all children and adolescents may experi- fraught with difficulties. Nevertheless, as addi-
their development. Examining global patterns of ence violence, being a girl presents some unique tional strategies to end violence are formulated
violence as well as attitudes and social norms vulnerability. In fact, every 10 minutes, some- and carried out, it is also clear that systematic
sheds light on an issue that has remained largely where in the world, an adolescent girl dies as a investments in data generation are vital. The
undocumented. Using data to make violence result of violence1. Yet these deaths represent evidence that results is essential to monitoring
against children and its many ramifications more only the most extreme and irrevocable assaults commitments, informing the development of
visible will bring about a fuller understanding of in a long continuum of violence faced by adoles- new programs, policies and laws and assessing
its magnitude and nature and offering clues to cent girls that are often exacerbated by gender their effectiveness. Future research should fo-
its prevention. discrimination, norms and practices. cus on not only documenting the prevalence of
violence but also understanding the underlying
Over the last decade, recognition of the perva- factors that fuel it and evaluating interventions
The protection of children from all forms of vio-
sive nature and impact of violence against chil- aimed at preventing and responding to it. Broad
lence is a fundamental right guaranteed by the
dren has grown. Still, the phenomenon remains dissemination of data in accessible formats will
Convention on the Rights of the Child and other
largely undocumented and underreported. This continue to be needed to raise awareness and to
international human rights treaties and stan-
can be attributed to a variety of reasons, includ- foster the political will required to develop and
dards. Yet violence remains an all-too-real part
ing the fact that some forms of violence against implement effective strategies and action – at
of life for children around the globe – regardless children are socially accepted, tacitly condoned all levels of society.
of their economic and social circumstances, or not perceived as being abusive. Many victims
culture, religion or ethnicity – with both imme- are too young or too vulnerable to disclose their Ending violence against children is in our hands.
diate and long-term consequences. Children experience or to protect themselves. And all too With reliable data, we will know when this human
who have been severely abused or neglected often when victims do denounce an abuse, the rights imperative is finally achieved.
are often hampered in their development, expe- legal system fails to respond and child protec-
https://wfmh.global/wmhd2018/ 15“1. States Parties shall take all appropriate leg-
islative, administrative, social and educational
measures to protect the child from all forms
“All forms of violence against chil-
dren, however light, are unaccept-
of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse,
able. […] Frequency, severity of harm
neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or and intent to harm are not prerequi-
exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the sites for the definitions of violence.
care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other States parties may refer to such fac-
person who has the care of the child. tors in intervention strategies in or-
2. Such protective measures should, as ap- der to allow proportional responses
propriate, include effective procedures for the in the best interests of the child, but
establishment of social programs to provide definitions must in no way erode the
necessary support for the child and for those child’s absolute right to human dig-
who have the care of the child, as well as for
other forms of prevention and for identification,
nity and physical and psychological
reporting, referral, investigation, treatment and integrity by describing some forms
follow-up of instances of child maltreatment of violence as legally and/or socially
described heretofore, and, as appropriate, for
judicial involvement.”
– Article 19 of the Convention on the Rights of
acceptable.
”
the Child – United Nations Committee on the Rights of the
Child, General Comment No. 13 on the Conven-
tion on the Rights of the Child
References
1. United Nations Children’s Fund, A Statistical Snapshot
of Violence against Adolescent Girls, UNICEF, New York,
2014. https://data.unicef.org/topic/adolescents/
violence/
https://wfmh.global/wmhd2018/ 16The Invisible Trauma of War-affected Children /
Millions of children struggle with the physical and psychological traumas of war Robert T. Muller, PhDRobert T. Muller, PhD
Eighteen million children are being raised in the Roméo Dallaire, released two books “Shake the very foundations of children’s lives, destroy-
chaos of war. In the past ten years, as a result of Hands with the Devil” and “They Fight Like Sol- ing their homes, splintering their communities
armed conflict, over 2 million children have been diers, They Die Like Children,” detailing the hor- and breaking down their trust in adults.”
killed, 6 million have been disabled, 20 million rors he witnessed in Rwanda and his mission to
Without the support of the international commu-
are homeless, and more than 1 million have be- stop the use of child soldiers. Hollywood films
nity, most of these children will carry these heavy
come separated from their caregivers. have included Hotel Rwanda, Blood Diamond,
emotional burdens into adulthood.
In 1996, Graça Machel, former wife of Nelson and Machine Gun Preacher.
Humanitarian aid generally focuses on the con-
Mandela, released a UN report entitled “The Im- Despite media attention, response has been lim-
crete, what we can see, measure, build: Food,
pact of War on Children,” bringing international ited. Immediate measures for increased protec-
medicine, bricks, and mortar. Psychological trau-
attention to the subject among policy makers tion and security are necessary and being active-
ma is invisible.
and academics. The 10 recommendations made ly pursued, but the more regenerative responses
in the report have become guiding principles to like those of child-focused psychosocial and To address the mental health needs of war-af-
aid war-affected children. Advancements have trauma rehabilitation are not being appropriately fected children as they relate to future peace
been made by the international community to supported or implemented despite the demand building goals, international interventions are
address issues of security, displacement, and and need for these interventions among affected being established with a focus on the complex
human rights monitoring, but less support has communities. interplay between children’s psychological and
come to the psychosocial and educational needs social development. These “psychosocial” inter-
Following the genocide in Rwanda, in psycho-
of war-affected children. ventions support not just the emotional healing
logical interviews, more than 60% of children
and development of compassion and empathy,
War vets speak of the images, sounds and claimed that they didn’t care if they ever grew up.
but recognize the important dynamics between
smells that continue to haunt them. Many speak While the global community struggles to value
children and the social environment in which
of nightmares, flashbacks and periods of crip- and prioritize global mental health care, millions they form attachments, acquire a sense of be-
pling grief. of war-affected children around the world are left longing, and learn codes of pro-social behavior.
So too, children living in violent, terrorized envi- in the wake of traumatic experiences with little
to no support. For more information on psycho-social and trau-
ronments experience such horrors as destruc-
ma rehabilitation check out Dr Muller’s new book
tion of their homes, and the death of parents, Children between the ages of 12-18, having had – “Trauma & the Struggle to Open Up” at https://
siblings, neighbors and friends. Many live in more years exposed to violent conflict, struggle
www.amazon.com/Robert-T.-Muller/e/B0033A-
circumstances where they make critical survival to recover from years of compounding traumas.
FO5A
decisions to hide under deceased remains of Interviews within refugee camps reveal perva-
others, to kill or be killed, and often live through sive feelings of depression, anxiety, hopeless- Robert T. Muller, Ph.D., C.Psych.
situations where they believe they will die. ness, grief, resentment, anger, and fear among Professor, Faculty of Health, York University
war-affected children. Fellow, International Society for the Study of
Recent years have seen celebrity and political
Trauma & Dissociation
activists join in the discussion. Following his Graça Machel reports, “The physical, sexual and
Founding Editor, The Trauma & Mental Health
own recovery from severe post-traumatic stress emotional violence to which they [children] are
Report
disorder (PTSD), Canadian Lieutenant-General exposed shatters their world. War undermines rmuller@yorku.ca
https://wfmh.global/wmhd2018/ 17Talking Points: Helping Youth Following Mass
Violence /Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care
Mass violence is shocking and disturbing to misinformation. Gear the information to their Tackle the tough questions.
youth on so many levels. One is that it disrupts age and refrain from focusing on the graphic Children will ask questions like “why did this hap-
the way that they see the world. When threat details of the incident. They may ask what homi- pen?” Imbedded in this question are several oth-
is minimal, youth see the world as a safe and cide means. While it is not necessary to go into ers: “How could someone get so out of control
meaningful place and they feel a sense of con- detail, you may want to say “It means that some- to do this kind of thing?” and “Could this happen
trol over their environment. When threat is high, one killed another person on purpose; it was not to me or to people I love?”
youth can feel out of control, unsafe and that the an accident.”
world has lost its meaning. They can begin to Why did this happen?
worry that dangerous things can befall them or Children often have many developmental issues Explain to youth “we may not know the exact
those they love. When violence is perpetrated by regarding the integrity of the body. Hearing reason why this violence occurred, but it is clear
adults, the very people youth look to for protec- about the death of someone close to their age, that the person that did these things was very
tion, the impact is powerful. Additionally, venues especially a death that was violent can increase troubled and was not able to think clearly about
such as movie theatres and other public places anxiety about their own body. Some children may how to deal with their thoughts, feelings and
of entertainment are where youth and their fami- ask specific questions like “What happens when problems. The result was that they were not
lies go for fun and relaxation and where they feel you get shot?” You can answer the question in a able to control their impulses or urges to hurt
safe and free from harm. more clinical way, avoiding the graphic details. others. They also did not tell anyone about their
For example: “When you get shot, it can injure thoughts, feelings and problems in time for oth-
Parents and school personnel can be helpful in the part of the body that got hit. Sometimes the ers to help them figure out good ways to fix them
mitigating the emotional effects of community injury can be so serious it can make the heart without hurting anyone.
violence on youth. Below are some strategies for stop working and the person dies. Sometimes a
dealing with these tragedies and assisting youth person is not injured as badly and they can go to This is a good time to teach the importance of
in regaining their sense of safety and security. the hospital and be taken care of by the doctors help seeking. Explain to children “sometimes
and nurses and then go home to their families.” people have thoughts and feelings that make
Monitor the amount of TV watching. them feel hurt, angry, confused, or scared inside.
These kinds of events attract mass media atten- Find out what concerns your child has and take It is important for everyone to have someone to
tion. Frightening, dramatic and sad images are them seriously. talk to who can help them solve problems and
often repetitively displayed in newsprint, on tele- Youth often feel more vulnerable than adults be- feel better. Ask your child “who would you talk
vision or radio. Watching these kinds of scenes cause of their size and their limited physical and to if you were feeling hurt or scared or confused
may fixate the images of violent death and emotional resources. Therefore, some of their inside?” Have them name several adults inside
increase feelings of vulnerability. It is important fears may seem trivial or unrealistic to adults but and outside the family so their support system is
to monitor what youth are viewing and limit their can occupy the youth’s thoughts and dreams just enlarged.
exposure to upsetting media coverage. the same. It is important to take their concerns
seriously and offer reassurance. You can ask Could this happen to me or to people that I care
Ask your children what they have heard or what them “After hearing about these kinds of things, about?
other kids are saying. what do you think most kids worry about?” To balance the enormity of violent acts, it is
Give youth accurate information and correct any important to explain to youth that “these kinds
https://wfmh.global/wmhd2018/ 18of events are very unusual. Most people do not upsetting circumstances. Extra hugs, cuddling, Somatic complaints (stomachaches, head-
want to hurt others. You can speculate with them and storytelling (even middle school youth enjoy aches and muscle pain)
about the number of movie theatres in the United having their parents read to them), are helpful.
States (or the world for that matter) and com- After these kinds of incidents, children and teens Changes in eating
pare that number with the number of movie the- may have nightmares or fears. It might be helpful
atres in which this kind of violence has occurred. to allow the child to sleep in close proximity to Changes in behavior (increase in irritability,
This is not to minimize the horrific impact of the parents for a bit of time. Sleeping bags or aggression, anger, or becoming more fearful
these events but to put them into a perspective cots could be used for a few nights. and clinging)
that will help youth regain a feeling of safety.
If you find that your child is having difficulty
It is important to bring the discussion back to staying in school because of anxiety, you may Changes in school performance
the youth’s own experiences and talk about the want to arrange with the counseling department
adults in their life who love them and are there to allow one phone call to you during lunch. Do Withdrawal from friends and family
to protect them. It is also helpful to talk about all you can to help your child go to school and
the ways in which the impacted community has remain there. Difficulty concentrating
come together to help each other cope during
this terrible event. Focus on stories that include Process your own feelings. Nightmares
caring acts of kindness, compassion and resil- Youth will take their cues from the adults around
ience even in the face of the tragedy. them. It is important for the adults to take care
of themselves and their feelings as well as their Inability to stop thinking about the event
Keep the routine. child’s. If you are feeling upset, anxious or fearful
Routine provides youth with a sense of security. it will be important for you to find a trusted adult Refusing to attend school or go into public
The routine of daily activities including school, to talk to. Avoid talking about your fears in front places
after school activities and sports are important of your children.
to mitigate the feeling that the ‘world is out of Worrying excessively about something bad
control’. Monitor your child’s behavior and seek assis- happening to them or someone they love
tance if necessary.
Spend time together as a family. While the signs and symptoms below can be
Increase opportunities for play, fun and relax- normal in the early days and weeks following
ation. Connecting with friends and family mem- a violent incident, if they do not abate or they
bers helps children feel there is a safety net of increase, additional help may be required. If you
people around them. have concerns about your child, do not hesitate Rutgers University Behavioral Health
to contact your school’s counseling department Care
Allow some time for extra comforting.
or your local community behavioral health cen- http://ubhc.rutgers.edu/tlc/guidelines/parents/
Youth often need some additional time for sooth-
ter. HelpingYouthFollowingMassViolence.html
ing and comforting when they are dealing with
https://wfmh.global/wmhd2018/ 19You can also read
