Anti-bullying policy in child and adolescent psychiatric units

Abstract

Bullying is a common problem. There has been much written on the subject, mainly relating to schools. In this study a questionnaire was sent to 66 child and adolescent psychiatric units in the UK, 50 (75%) were returned. The units were surveyed on frequency of bullying, whether an anti- bullying policy was in place and whether difficulties had been encountered setting up the policy. An anti-bullying policy was present in only 10% of units. Further research is needed on bullying and appropriate and effective methods of dealing with it on child and adolescent psychiatric units.