This article reviews the extant literature on the links between peer victimization and academic performance and engagement among children and adolescents. Although most of the research on this association is based on cross-sectional investigations, research using longitudinal designs is starting to point to the fact that peer victimization does…

Prior research indicates that both anxious youth and socially withdrawn youth tend to experience challenges and difficulties in various aspects of their peer relationships and social functioning. While clinical psychology researchers have examined how anxiety relates to peer experiences using normative and clinically anxious samples, developmental…

Childhood obesity is associated with a variety of medical and psychosocial consequences. Children who are obese are at an increased risk of being victims of weight-based stigmatization by their peers. Negative views toward obese individuals may be expressed through children's friendship selections and expressed levels of overt (e.g., pushing,…

Noting that although many Western educators praise the Japanese educational system because of its students' academic achievements, schools in Japan have developed severe and prevalent problems with student bullying. This paper examines the problem of bullying in Japanese schools. Part 1 of the paper reviews bullying incidents in Japanese schools…

This article presents factors and characteristics that make children and youth with learning disabilities vulnerable to bullying. Risk factors and effects of bullying are reviewed and the following intervention strategies are highlighted: increasing community awareness and changing attitudes; social skills training; and individual, group, and…

Discusses the chilling effect on learning of bullying and peer harassment, resources and strategies for creating a more respectful school climate, and the need for comprehensive schoolwide policies and procedures that also involve community. Sidebars describe the newly established National Safe Schools Resource Center and various educator guides…