Actions Speak Louder than Words: Examining the Relationship between Violent Behaviors and Bullying Victimization

• In Event: Bullying: Impacts on Students and Teachers

Abstract

Previous studies have found that 10% to 40% of adolescents have been cyberbullying victims, cyberbullying offenders, or engaged in both offending and experienced victimization (Kowalski & Limber, 2007; Ybarra & Mitchell, 2004). Existing literature on traditional and cyberbullying victimization has established that each of these types of behaviors can have negative outcomes for adolescents. However, there is little research that specifically examines the relationship between all types of bullying victimization and the potential impacts regarding violent behaviors among adolescents, such as carrying a gun, carrying a weapon, and engaging in physical fights either on or off school property. This research examines the potential influence of all types of bullying victimization on violent behaviors. Data are from the 2011-2015 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System for which national samples of adolescents aged 12 to 18 years, in grades 9 through 12 were surveyed to assess six categories of behavior, including violent behaviors, among adolescents. Results indicate that all types of bullying victimization significantly increase the risk of adolescents engaging in violent behaviors, especially when the types of bullying are combined. The findings show that further action should be taken to reduce rates of bullying victimization among adolescents in schools and homes.

Authors

• Emily R Priesman, Penn State Harrisburg

• Lauren Wright, Northeastern State University