GPs 'lack training' to support young victims of bullying

Most GPs lack the training to help young people suffering mental health problems as a result of bullying at school, according to a survey.

The Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) recently surveyed 1,500 16-25 year olds and 170 teachers in the UK about the problem of bullying and how it should be tackled.

Of those who said they were bullied at school, about 44% claimed it affected their mental health and one third said they avoided school to cope, while 70% of teachers admitted feeling ill-equipped to support bullied children.

In a separate survey, conducted with the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGPs), 92% of the 126 family doctors who responded said they had no formal training, resources or information to help them support children and young people with symptoms that relate to bullying, such as include anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

The figures have been released in partnership with the National Children’s Bureau and the charity YoungMinds to mark Anti-Bullying Week.

RCGP clinical champion for mental health Liz England said: ‘GPs have a very difficult job in identifying mental health issues in young patients, as they are often not the primary reason someone has for visiting their GP, and because of the stigma that unfortunately exists around discussing mental health problems.

‘It is important that our young patients know that GPs are highly trained to have sensitive, non-judgemental conversations with patients about any health issue.’

ABA national co-ordinator Lauren Seager-Smith added: ‘Bullying is a public health issue. We all need to play our part to stop bullying wherever and whenever it happens.

‘We would like to see more training for teachers and health professionals, in school counselling, and much needed funds for child and adolescent mental health services.’