For the purpose of this paper, "bullying" is defined as "the ongoing physical or emotional victimization of a person by another person or group of people." "Suicide" is defined as "a death by a self-inflicted injury under circumstances in which the individual intended or should have reasonably expected that this injury would result in his/her death." Suicide is a major problem among youth in the United States (leading cause of death for youth ages 12-18). Regarding the prevalence of bullying, during the 2007-2008 school year, 32 percent of the Nation's students ages 12-18 reported being bullied. This report concludes that both victims and perpetrators of bullying are at a higher risk for suicide than their peers. Children who are both victims and perpetrators of bullying are at the highest risk. A research review indicates that there are personal characteristics that increase a child's risk of being bullied. These characteristics include internalizing problems (including withdrawal and anxiety/depression); low self-esteem, low assertiveness; and aggressiveness in early childhood, which can lead to rejection by peers and social isolation. Bullying, especially chronic bullying, has long-term effects on suicide risk and mental health that can persist into adulthood. LGBT youth experience more bullying at school than their heterosexual peers. A research review found that the link between bullying and suicide risk was stronger for LGBT youth than for heterosexual youth. Bullying prevention and suicide prevention share common strategies in three areas: school environment, family outreach, and identification of students who need mental and behavioral health services. 36 references