Bullying happens when a child is purposely mistreated by another person or by a group. This abuse can be physical, verbal or emotional. It can have devastating effects on the child. In some cases children who are bullied try to commit suicide.

While bullying can happen at any age, it’s more likely to occur among school children. Both those who are bullied and those who bully others can have serious health problems as a result.

The Program for Health Problems Related to Bullying at Children’s National Health System offers professional evaluation and treatment for children and teens affected physically or mentally by bullying.

We are passionately committed to improving the lives of these children. In addition, we’re dedicated to prevention and we work hard in the community to inform the public about bullying and the health risks it causes.

Why Choose Us
Features of the Program for Health Problems Related to Bullying at Children’s National include:

Experienced Specialists. Children’s National Health System is the largest provider of pediatric care in the Washington, D.C., area. As part of that system, our team treats the effects of bullying every day. We consider your child’s individual situation and provide expertise from our team’s years of experience of specialists in the needed areas of care.
Safe space. Our pediatric specialists are experts at talking with children, teens and their families. Our team creates a safe space for you and your child to speak freely about bullying to help get to the root of the problem and work together to find a solution.
Commitment to Advocacy. We advocate for research-based programs to prevent bullying. To be effective, these programs should involve students, teachers, parents and the community. Program Medical Director Jorge C. Srabstein, M.D., has testified on Capitol Hill about the connection between bullying and public health problems in our society.
Services We Offer
If you think your child may be troubled by bullying, our program can help. Your first visit will include a thorough evaluation to find out how bullying has affected your child.

Based on this evaluation, treatment will be designed specifically for your child and family. It may include:

Individual therapy
Family therapy
Group therapy
Medication, if appropriate
Health Effects of Bullying
Young people who are bullied, and also those who bully, are at risk for a wide range of health and safety hazards. Our program is designed to address the physical concerns as well as the psychological effects caused by bullying. Children or teens who are bullied may:

Feel depressed or sad
Be angry or irritable
Worry or feel anxious or fearful
Have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
Have frequent headaches, stomachaches, dizziness, or other physical symptoms
Be injured by physical forms of bullying such as being slapped, kicked, pushed, or another action
Bullying can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as:

Smoking
Abusing alcohol and/or drugs
Missing school and neglecting schoolwork
Getting into fights
Running away from home
Carrying a weapon to school
Self-injuries, such as cutting
Attempting to commit suicide