Bullying in Jerusalem schools: victims and perpetrators

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of bullying among adolescents studying in Jerusalem schools and to identify the characteristics of its victims and perpetrators. Pupils in the 8th and 10th grade (ages 14-16 y) in 11 schools in Jerusalem (n=1182) anonymously completed the World Health Organization questionnaire from the 'Health Behavior in School Children' study. Bullying others or being bullied at least once in the last term was reported. The independent variables studied were socio-demographic characteristics, and personal and school-related factors. Bullying was reported by 57.1% of boys and 27.0% of girls, and being bullied by 50.3% of boys and 39.5% of girls. The factors associated with bullying others were lack of support from teachers for both genders and poor mental health among boys. Variables related to social exclusion among girls and social isolation among boys were associated with being bullied. Health professionals should be active in all levels of prevention to deal with this problem that affects the health and well-being of so many children and adolescents.