While both bullies and their victims are at risk for harms such as physical injury, over-the-counter medication abuse, school absence and weapon use, new research is showing that the bullies may be at greater risk than their victims, Reuters Health reported July 25.

Examining a group of nearly 9,600 U.S. students in grades 6 through 10, a pair of researchers led by Jorge Srabstein, M.D., of the Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., found that 39 percent had been either a perpetrator of bullying, a victim, or both. These youths were at higher risk of any form of physical injury than were those youths not involved in any bullying activity.

Yet the researchers found that the group of perpetrators was at higher risk for some behaviors not seen in the group of victims. These behaviors included use of alcohol or any type of drug, as well as problems in the classroom.

"We see that the (obvious) victims are not the only victims," Srabstein said. "The bullies are also victims of their own emotional problems."

The researchers wrote that these findings "should urgently alert pediatric practitioners and educators to the need for joining efforts in the prevention of this very serious public health issue."

Study results were published July 15 in the International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health.