Gender, Bullying, and Suicide

• In Event: Impact of Gender on Bullying and Poly-victimization

Abstract

This study explores the gender differences in the bullying cases that lead to suicide as reported by the media. Special attention is given to providing context to these cases and discussing why there are or are not gender differences. The following potential questions will be addressed: what role does bullying play in these suicides; why does the bullying occur; how does the bullying vary by gender; are there differences between the different types of bullying; are there differences based on characteristics of the bully (i.e. are girls more likely to commit suicide when being bullied by other girls, etc.); and what other factors influence suicide for both males and females. Differences in how these cases are reported by the media will also be explored. Special attention will be paid to the implications of the findings.

Authors

• Heather Melton, University of Utah

• Taylor Webb, University of Utah