Victimization by Bullying and Physical Symptoms Among South Korean Schoolchildren

This study examined the relationship between victimization by bullying and physical symptoms among South Korean schoolchildren. Data were analyzed from a nationally representative sample of 2006 schoolchildren across South Korea aged 9-17 years. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the associations between victimization by bullying and physical symptoms in the children. Schoolchildren bullied 4 or more times by peers in the previous year were approximately 3 times more likely to report recurrent stomachache or dizziness and twice as likely to report headache and sleep difficulties than students who were never victimized by peers. These risk estimates were calculated by controlling for confounding variables. School nurses, teachers, and school counselors or school social workers should consider frequent physical symptoms (headache, stomachache, dizziness, and sleep difficulties) as potential indicators of victimization through bullying and then provide prompt intervention and support using a multidisciplinary approach when harm is confirmed.