Studying emotional needs in wake of Minnesota tragedy.

The March fatal shooting spree that killed six students and two school staff members at Red Lake High School in northern Minnesota warrants more attention to school bullying, according to the Committee for Children, an international nonprofit focused on research and programs for violence prevention among children through social skills education.

"Children who are targets of bullying are more likely to become depressed and withdrawn," says Karin Frey, a Committee for Children member and author of research studies. "Some of these children simply fade into the woodwork, while others become aggressive.... (T)he fact is that studies do show a connection between school bullying and school shootings."

Research shows that by creating a more caring and respectful environment and involving school staff and parents will help children to be less likely to bully on the playground. Bystanders are also more willing to intervene and stick up for classmates, says Mark Crawford, executive director of Committee for Children.

www.cfchildren.org