By Jackie Yourell

Unfortunately, youth at higher and lower weights are bullied for their weight more than children who have an average weight. In this study, we identified factors that may protect youth against being bullied for their weight. We found that self-esteem and quality relationships with parents and friends were helpful for lowering the chance of being bullied for weight.

Parents were most important for youth with obesity, and this tells us that quality parent-child relationships can play a key role in preventing weight-based bullying. Parents and teachers can help youth by building their self-esteem, especially for children at lower and higher weights. 

See more news in our recent Parent-based Prevention Lab newsletter.