London, May 28 (IANS) A little bullying during childhood can be good for children since they learn to stand up for themselves in difficult situations, reveals a new study.

The study revealed that children remember such experiences more vividly than friendly episodes, helping them to develop healthy social and emotional skills.

During a series of experiments, psychologists from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), measured the friendships and hostile relationships of 2,000 school children aged 11 and 12.

The study showed that boys who stood up to bullies and schoolyard enemies were judged more socially competent by their teachers. In addition, girls who did the same were more popular and more admired by teachers and peers.

Findings also showed that children who returned hostility with hostility appeared to be the most mature, reports dailymail.co.uk.

While the study did not suggest that it was healthy to be the victim of bullying, it found negative experiences could teach children about conflict resolution.

It could also give them an early lesson that not everybody in life is going to like them, the researchers added.