Bullying In past 6 months, 28% of students say they have been bullied More in younger ages: 37% 6 th grade, 28% 9 th grade, 20% 12 th grade. Bullies continue for years Characteristics of bullies Dominant and aggressive children Learned aggression at home Parents who use more forceful discipline Watch more TV violence Have fewer adult role models

Bullying leads to anxiety and hopelessness One study used hidden cameras to see how other students reacted to bullies –Found that 60% were neutral or even friendly to the bullies –Near 50% actually started to support to bullies and make fun of the victim Another study on the long term effects of bullying found that, as adults, childhood bullying victims had difficulty with trusting relationships and lacked confidence when interacting with others –But they did not still experience bullying in workplace

Childhood Obesity Rate of childhood obesity doubled for preschoolers, and more than tripled for 6-11 year olds in the past 30 years 31% of 6-19 year olds in US are overweight or at risk Involves genetic factors as well as eating and exercise habits, but the large increase is mainly due to eating and exercise. At risk for: Hypertension, diabetes, glucose intolerance, sleep apnea, and asthma Orthopedic and metabolic diseases

Obesity in adulthood, eating disorders Increased morbidity and mortality Associated with lower self esteem, poor body image, lower quality of life, depression, peer difficulties including bullying, marginalized Due to changes in family eating and activities, school environment, community development, and media influences

Changes in culture More energy dense foods More advertisements for unhealthy foods –80% of ads for children are for fast food, cereals, candies, and toys –Study found that ads for sugary drinks and candy made children more likely to consume them Fewer walkways and bike paths People drive more often –25% trips are 1 mile from house, but 75% are in a car Research shows that people are more physically active when more sidewalks and housing density

School Environment More time in school and after school care More high caloric food in school and less nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables Less time for physical education classes PE dropped from 41% to 25% in % of kindergarten programs do not meet criteria for daily physical education, more common in low income and ethnic minority schools Home Environment More eating out, less sitting down for dinner

Interventions School-based interventions have short-terms gains but do not consistently reduce BMI Community-based interventions do lead to some increases in physical activity Weight control interventions can be effective Interventions have been too focused and need to take a multifaceted approach that involve all levels of society (culture, community, school, home)

Recommendations Government: Food in schools, focus on prevention Support at risk groups and community programs Community: Recreation centers, nutrition programs More walkways in neighborhoods Health care: Screening and tracking patients Coverage for preventative services, good benefits School: More healthy choices and physical activity Nutrition classes, wellness policy Parent Involvement: role models, food preparation, physical activity