School-aged children often are victims of bullying. While victimization is common its consequences are often extremely serious.
In fact, the recent suicide death of a Massachusetts teen prompted state lawmakers to pass one of the most far-reaching anti-bullying laws within the U.S.
Time will tell if such legislative actions will lessen physical or emotional distress among school peers. However, a team of researchers from Duke University and Kings College London have discovered a genetic variation that moderates whether victims of bullying will go on to develop emotional problems.