Bullying among adolescents in the United States continues to be a significant public health concern, with impacts that reach beyond school settings. Both victims and perpetrators of bullying face long-term mental, physical, and social consequences. Victims are at higher risk for conditions such as depression, anxiety, hallucinations, and suicidality. Those who bully others may experience increased rates of delinquency, dating violence, and criminal behavior.
A recent study by researchers from Florida Atlantic University's Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine analyzed data from the National Survey of Children's Health to identify factors contributing to bullying among U.S. adolescents aged 12 to 17. The research examined how socioeconomic status, social influences, family dynamics, and pre-existing health conditions affect the likelihood of being involved in bullying.
The study found that adolescents who were overweight or obese, had difficulty making friends, were born outside the United States, or had mental health challenges—including anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD—or learning disabilities faced a higher risk of involvement in bullying as either victims or perpetrators.
Overweight and obese teens were particularly likely to both experience bullying and engage in it themselves. Adolescents who bullied others also reported more behavioral problems and social difficulties.
Foreign-born adolescents were more frequently bullied than their U.S.-born peers. Parental monitoring appeared to provide some protection for foreign-born youth; these teens seemed to rely more on family support when dealing with social challenges.
Among 37,425 adolescents surveyed between 2022 and 2023, 36.7% reported being bullied in the past year. Of those surveyed:
- 24.7% experienced bullying once or twice,
- 6.4% monthly,
- 3.4% weekly,
- and 2.1% nearly every day.
Additionally, 13.2% admitted to bullying others at least once during the same period.
The findings suggest a cycle where being bullied increases the likelihood of becoming a perpetrator of bullying; many risk factors overlap between victims and bullies.
Despite evidence that prevention programs involving parents are more effective at reducing both victimization and perpetration rates among students than those without parental engagement (for example by offering flexible workshops with translated materials), few school-based initiatives actively include caregivers.
Collaboration between parents and teachers is highlighted as important for successful interventions—incorporating parental feedback on strategies while encouraging parents to model positive interactions at home can help address concerns about children's behavior.
School policies also play an essential role in addressing bullying. While there are no federal antibullying laws in place currently (the U.S Department of Education has issued recommendations for state laws), all states have implemented some form of legislation on this issue but only a minority fully adopt federal guidelines for comprehensive definitions and procedures regarding bullying incidents.
"Preventing bullying requires a team effort – schools, parents and communities working together," said Sacca. "When parents are actively involved and school policies are strong and consistent, we can create safer environments that support every student's mental, physical and social well-being."
Study co-authors include FAU medical students Pedro Soto; Victoria Reis; Isabella Abraham; Cheila Llorens; Ayden Dunn; and Austin Lent.
