Bullying and cyberbullying in adolescent environment: prevalence, methods of intimidation, role-player behavior

Abstract

Relevance. Widespread among adolescents bullying usually shows as traditional bullying (TB) and cyberbullying (CB). The public health relevance of bullying is that it can lead to emotional distress, social maladjustment and suicidal behavior. Aim. To analyze the prevalence of traditional bullying and cyberbullying among adolescents, to assess the social roles of participants and methods of intimidation with regard to gender differences. Materials and methods. Data collection was carried out in 2015–2017 within EACMHS. With the continuous method there were examined six hundred ninety two students of secondary schools in Krasnoyarsk (364 girls) aged 11–17 years (average age is 14.6 ± 1.3). A questionnaire including two sets of questions related to bullying and cyberbullying developed by the EACMHS was used. Results. The TB prevalence is 28.7% (26.5% — boys, 30.8% — girls), the СB prevalence is 25.7% (33.5% — boys, 18.9% — girls). TB and CB can occur both independently and in combination, increasing the prevalence of bullying as a whole up to 43.1% (where only TB — 17.2%, only CB — 14.3%, both types — 11.6 %). Boys are more likely to be the aggressors. The most common methods of bullying are name calling (17.5% for TB, 15.3% for CB). Girls are more often bullied because of their appearance (19.5%), boys are more often by dangers (14.3%) and threats (13.4%). Limitations. Adolescents living in one city were examined. One source of information was used. Conclusions. The high involvement of adolescents in bullying requires the development of preventive measures.