This chapter explores the inextricably linked relationship between peer
victimization and loneliness in school-aged children and youth. Students who are
lonely demonstrate solitary and withdrawn behaviors, have low self-esteem, few
friends, and are generally more vulnerable to peer victimization. Chronic and
prolonged victimization reinforces marginalization and helplessness, exacerbating the
loneliness experience in these youngsters. Starting with an overview of the concepts of
peer victimization (aka bullying) and loneliness, the author describes their adverse
impacts, predictors, and correlates. The author reviews the extant literature on
promising interventions for loneliness and peer victimization in children and youth
within a multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) framework. Specific interventions
examined include social support interventions, cognitive behavioral approaches, and
anti-bullying curriculum and programs.
Keywords: Children and youth, Correlates, Interventions, Loneliness, Peer
victimization, Predictors.