Bullying among Primary School Students: Prevalence and Correlates

Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence and correlates of
bullying among a sample of 656 students in grades 7 to 10. Overall,
18.9% of participants were classified as bullies, 10.2% as victims,
1.5% as bully-victims, and 69.4% as neutral students. Calling names
was the most common form of bullying used by bullies and
experienced by victims. Males reported bullying their peers
significantly more than females. Likewise, males reported more
victimization than females. Sex differences also emerged in the
locations of bullying. The most popular location of bullying for males
was on the way home, while for females it was the classroom. Grade
differences emerged with 7th and 8th graders indicating significantly
more victimization than 9th and 10th graders. On the other hand, it was
found that both neutral students and bullies had significantly higher
self-esteem than did victims. Neutral students had significantly better
family relationships than did victims, and they had higher academic
performance than did bullies or victims. Implications for school-based
prevention services are provided