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Anti‐Bullying Laws and Suicidal Behaviors Among Teenagers

Author

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  • Daniel I. Rees
  • Joseph J. Sabia
  • Gokhan Kumpas

Abstract

The CDC reports that the association between bullying and suicides among teenagers has generated “concern, even panic,” but policies aimed at combatting bullying have received little attention from researchers. Using a difference‐in‐differences estimation strategy, we find that state‐level anti‐bullying laws (ABLs) reduce bullying victimization, depression, and suicidal ideation, with the largest estimated effects for female teenagers and teenagers who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or questioning. In addition, ABLs are associated with a 13 to 16 percent reduction in the suicide rate of female 14‐ through 18‐year‐olds. Event‐study analyses and falsification tests provide evidence that these estimates can be interpreted causally.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel I. Rees & Joseph J. Sabia & Gokhan Kumpas, 2022. "Anti‐Bullying Laws and Suicidal Behaviors Among Teenagers," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 41(3), pages 787-823, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jpamgt:v:41:y:2022:i:3:p:787-823
    DOI: 10.1002/pam.22405
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. Stephen Machin & Matteo Sandi, 2025. "Crime and Education," Annual Review of Economics, Annual Reviews, vol. 17(1), pages 241-260, August.
    4. Benjamin Hansen & Joseph J. Sabia & Jessamyn Schaller, 2024. "In-Person Schooling and Youth Suicide: Evidence from School Calendars and Pandemic School Closures," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 59(S), pages 227-255.
    5. Abrahamsson, Sara, 2024. "Smartphone Bans, Student Outcomes and Mental Health," Discussion Paper Series in Economics 1/2024, Norwegian School of Economics, Department of Economics.
    6. Phillips, Julie A. & Davidson, Thomas R. & Baffoe-Bonnie, Marilyn S., 2023. "Identifying latent themes in suicide among black and white adolescents and young adults using the National Violent Death Reporting System, 2013–2019," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 334(C).

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