Can being sleep-deprived actually cause bullying? This new study has found that not getting enough sleep can be a factor in children that bully.
Michigan Study
After surveying parents and teachers, researchers at the University of Michigan learned that bullies are twice as likely to have mild snoring and/or sleep apnea. Irregular breathing, either mild or up to severe, was found in children with bullying behaviors.
The Stats
Parents and teachers were asked to identify students with problem behaviors. The survey screened 345 students in Ypsilanti, MI. Of these 345 students, 30 children were labeled "disruptive." Bullying was considered one of the disruptive behaviors.
Past Studies
Previous studies have had similar results stating that students that snore tend to have behavior problems and hyperactive tendencies. Past studies have examined students with sleeping problems to see if they have behavior problems. This study first identified problematic behaviors and then asked how many have trouble sleeping.
Presentation
The study was presented at the Associated Professional Sleep Societies in Minneapolis, MN on June 13th. Lead researcher Louise O'Brien says, "The aggressive kids were more likely to screen for sleep-disordered breathing." [Greg Toppo, USA Today, June 13, 2007]
Bullying in Schools
Bullying is something that can not be ignored at home or at school. A recent lawsuit in Australia shows bullying is being taken seriously. A court awarded a young man a large settlement because the school did nothing to stop the harassment. He is now suffering life-long damage. Bullying can have long-term effects.
Most Likely Bullied
According to Cliff Isaacson, author, minister and counselor, the most likely birth order personality to be a bully or to be bullied are fourth borns. After being surprised, picked on, mistreated and left out, fourths give a little back to the world that was not fair to them.
Another likely target is the child that may be soft-spoken or shy. However, a new Australian study states that reactionary students may be selected as bully targets because they provide "entertainment." Boys are the bully stereotype but a recent book by Rachel Simmons, Odd Girl Out, enlightens adults on the hierarchy of a bullying network controlled by girls. Another tremendous book on bullying and control by girls is Queen Bees & Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman. Both books will open the eyes of parents and teachers as to what is really going on with girls.
Cyber-Bullying
Internet abuse is a more clandestine method of bullying but is still considered bullying. In fact, students are now being punished for cyber-bullying. This is one of the reasons schools are not allowing cell phones. Not only are students being bullied in this manner but teachers, as well. Even employees harass each other via cyberspace.
While there may be several theories surrounding bullying behavior, it is not to be tolerated and is now being punished more severely world-wide.
Related articles: Suicide and MySpace, Bulimia
Read previous articles on Educational Issues.
Copyright article 2007 Barbara Pytel. All Rights Reserved.
