Girls bullied at primary school are two and a half times more likely to remain victims than boys. Researchers found girls who were beaten or threatened physically or verbally at the age of six had less of a chance of escaping bullies by the age of 11. The team studied 663 children aged six to nine, following them up at age 10 or 11.

Report author Professor Dieter Wolke called for the development of programmes that help victims to escape further victimisation in primary schools. He also warned teachers, health professionals and parents to be aware of signs of both physical and emotional health problems – as these seemed to be important risk factors for becoming and remaining a victim.

BBC