Bullying is a serious problem among American youth, with statistics showing that it is the third leading cause of death for those aged 15-24. Many students avoid school due to bullying, while others attend in a state of anxiety or depression. Reports indicate that the majority of American youth witness bullying daily, and over a third have engaged in bullying behavior themselves, defined as repeated teasing, threats, hitting or exclusion. A study in Massachusetts found that half of all middle school students had been bullied in the past year.