Just like pneumonia, bullying can cause real, lasting damage if ignored. But our culture’s preoccupation with bullying has led to its overdiagnosis. Too many unpleasant interactions among young people are now referred to as bullying, and misdiagnosis leads to improper treatment. Treating conflict as bullying is the equivalent of prescribing a full-blown course of antibiotics for the common cold. The treatment isn’t necessary, will not cure the cold, and creates new problems.
