Bulling and Cyberbullying: Problem of the Modern Teenager

Background. Russia is one of the top ten European countries with high level of bullying and ranks second in cyberbullying among adolescents. Involvement in bullying and virtual aggression has immediate and long-term consequences for all parties to the conflict, including witnesses. Immediate consequences can be manifested as violation in adaptation and socialization of children and adolescents; long-term consequences can be mental disorders in emotionally labile schoolchildren. School bullying is always distinguished by its cruelty and intransigence.

Objective. The aim of the study is to estimate the prevalence of bullying and cyberbullying among boys and girls aged 11, 13 and 15 years studying in educational organizations in Yekaterinburg and to create the complex of preventive guidelines.

Methods. Sociological cross-sectional study was carried out using the questionnaire with questions from the international questionnaire Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC). Analysis of the results was carried out for different age and gender groups, the results of comparative analysis with the data of the international HBSC study are also presented.

Results. The main characteristics of bullying are presented: prevalence, age and social features. High involvement of adolescents in bullying (11.7%) and cyberbullying (18.2%) was revealed. The ratio of adolescents who have repeatedly been the victims of physical, psychological and virtual aggression was significantly higher (21.7 and 31.8%, respectively). Boys are more likely to be aggressors and victims of abusive behaviour (physical and psychological aggression) than girls. Moreover, number of schoolchildren who became victims of bullying decreases with age, this indicator is more significant among boys, while the number of cyberbullying victims increases among older adolescents.

Conclusion. The high prevalence of bullying in adolescents has negative impact on both, victims and aggressors. Bullying affects the physical and mental health of children and adolescents, leads to psychological and social maladaptation, as well as the development of sustainable models of problematic and most often aggressive behavior. Educational organizations have to become the basis for implementation of future programs on bullying and cyberbullying prevention. They should not only provide safe environment but also help children to establish open and friendly relationship with peers and adults and to clearly understand their actions and their consequences.

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