Suicide attempts among bullied teens can be reduced by exercise: study

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Bullying is one of the major issues that most high schools encounter, especially since there has been a rise on possible platforms like the Internet and social media, giving birth to the term "cyberbullying". As a result, the suicide rate in the United States skyrocketed as well, putting pressure on school officials and the government as to how they will solve this problem. Thankfully, a new study has revealed that one of the ways suicidal thoughts can be reduced is through increased physical activity.

Eureka Alert reports that based on a study conducted by the University of Vermont, bullied high students who are exposed to more exercise and physical activities at least four times a week are 23 percent less likely to commit suicide. This research is further backed up by previous studies showing a link between exercise and mental health, although this is the first time it has provided an evidence of direct relationship between suicidal thoughts and physical activity.

Head of the Rehabilitation and Movement Science Department from the university and lead author of the study Jeremy Sibold, believes that the surprising findings may help save bullied kids from doing the unthinkable. He also shares that even if only one kid is protected after encouraging them to participate in sports or physical activities, it is going to be worth it.

India Today writes that the researchers analyzed data from a survey answered by more than 13,500 high school students. Based on their results, 30 percent reported feeling sad for a minimum of two weeks in the past year, while 22 percent stated they have had suicide ideation wherein 8.2 percent of them have actually attempted suicide.

Among bullied teens, the number has doubled for those who have reported that they felt sad, while suicidal attempts tripled as compared to those who have never been bullied in school. Fortunately, these results have also dramatically decreased when the individuals were exposed to exercise for four or more times in a week.

Unfortunately, the result of the study was released when high schools were reducing their physical education, arts and recess hours to allot more time for math and reading.

Business Standard writes that Sibold and his team feel frustrated that high schools don't feel the need to increase and encourage physical activity in school and have instead relied on drug prescription and "good luck". The researchers hope that as their study is published, school curriculum will change to increase exercise programs in order to reduce the suicidal rate of the nation.

The study was published in the Journal of American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry last September 21st.