The Bully Blight

Scientists find that getting picked on is more harmful than anyone knew

Like most of her classmates at Washington High School in Milwaukee, Wis., La Shanda Trimble, 18, is attentive to fashion trends; it's the particular trend she chooses that sets her apart. She's a Goth, wearing black lipstick and nail polish, listening to bands like Linkin Park and Rob Zombie rather than rapper Nelly or R&B; star Ciara. She likes to wear her hair in pigtails instead of the more popularly accepted braids. The other kids don't approve. "They think I should act like them,'' says the 11th-grader. "They like me to listen to rap and pop and wear, like, brand-new shoes."

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