Sibling Bullying Takes Mental Toll

Sibling Bullying Takes Mental Toll

Siblings will inevitably fight, but when one regularly says nasty or hurtful things to or about the other, gets physical with him or her, or consistently ignores him or her, it crosses the line into bullying and can do lasting harm. Eighteen-year-olds who were bullied by a sibling several times a week in childhood were about twice as likely as their peers to have depression, to have anxiety, and to engage in self-harm. It is important, therefore, for parents to understand that bullying can occur in the home just as it can in school and to intervene when they see their children treating each other in a bullying manner. More...