Outcomes of bullying and intervention strategies for migrant and refugee children in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review

Abstract

Migrant and refugee children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are highly vulnerable to peer bullying, adversely affecting their mental health and well-being. Despite its significant impact, research on bullying outcomes and effective school-based interventions for this group remains limited. The aim of this review to examine the health outcomes of peer bullying among migrant and refugee children in LMICs and identify school-based interventions to address bullying. A systematic search was conducted in six databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest Dissertations) using keywords including, but not limited to, child*, adolescent*, refugee*, immigrant*, migrant*, bully*, outcome*, consequence* and intervention*. Studies published in English between 2014 and 2024 in LMICs, as classified by the World Bank, were included. Data extraction followed a standardized JBI-recommended charting tool to ensure accuracy. Of 639 screened studies, 14 met inclusion criteria. Participants, aged 8 to 18 years, included migrant, immigrant, and refugee children in school and community settings. Overall findings showed bullying was strongly associated with adverse mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress, and self-harm. Resilience and social support were key protective factors. However, interventions were limited; one study reported Jungian art therapy effectively reduced bullying among Afghan refugee children. Peer bullying severely impacts the mental health of migrant and refugee children in LMICs. There is a critical need for culturally sensitive, resilience-focused interventions and enhanced social support systems. Future research should explore physical health impacts and cyberbullying in this population.