Peer victimization in survivors of premature birth and low birth weight: Review and recommendations

• Very preterm children manifest a number of risk factors for bullying.
• Most studies have found that these children are at increased risk of being bullied.
• Research to date is limited by small samples and limited measures.
• More research is needed on the predictors and outcomes of bullying in this sample.

Despite the fact that children born very preterm or earlier, or at a very low birth weight (VLBW; < 1500 g) or smaller manifest elevated rates of a number of risk factors that put them at increased risk for peer victimization (e.g., poor motor abilities, lower IQ, and higher anxiety and depression), relatively little is known about the prevalence, predictors, and long-term outcomes of exposure to bullying in this population. Here we review the seven known studies published to date that have investigated peer victimization in those born very preterm or earlier or VLBW or smaller. The majority of these studies have found that these children are at an increased risk of being bullied by peers. Possible risk factors include poorer cognitive functioning, psychiatric disorders, motor difficulties, and functional limitations. However, this field is limited by the use of sub-optimal measures of peer victimization, small sample sizes, and a lack of longitudinal studies. Future research needs to examine the prevalence of bullying and the long-term risks associated with being bullied in those born VLBW and smaller. Regardless of the methodological limitations, parents and teachers should be aware that individuals born VLBW and smaller may be at a higher risk for being bullied.