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School bullying among refugee and non-refugee adolescent students in Lebanon
Vivian Khamis1, Anies Al-Hroub1
1American University of Beirut, Faculty of Arts & Sciences, Department of Education, Bliss Street, P.O. Box 11-0236, Beirut, Lebanon.
Background:
School bullying is a significant issue affecting adolescents globally. This study explores the prevalence and predictors of bullying among refugee and non-refugee adolescents in Lebanon, focusing on sociodemographic, protective, and risk factors.
Objective:
To assess the prevalence and types of bullying and identify significant predictors, including sociodemographic variables, protective factors, and risk factors.
Participants And Setting:
A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1906 adolescents aged 12-17 from 32 public schools in Lebanon.
Methods:
Logistic regression analysis was used with sequential blocks to evaluate predictors of bullying: (a) sociodemographic variables (age, gender, refugee vs. non-refugee status); (b) protective factors (prosocial behavior, social-emotional assets, and school environment); (c) risk factors (emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, and peer relationship issues).
Results:
The overall bullying rate was 56.3 %, with verbal bullying being the most common. Significant predictors included younger age (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.35, p < 0.01), male gender (OR = 1.48, p < 0.01), and a negative school environment (OR = 1.62, p < 0.01). Syrian refugee students were more likely to be victims (OR = 2.03, p < 0.01), while Lebanese students were more frequently identified as perpetrators (OR = 1.78, p < 0.01). Protective factors were associated with lower bullying rates, whereas risk factors such as conduct problems and peer relationship difficulties were linked to higher bullying involvement.
Conclusions:
The study reveals a high prevalence of bullying and underscores the need for comprehensive anti-bullying strategies. Addressing both protective and risk factors is crucial for creating a safer, more inclusive educational environment for all students.
Related Concept Videos
Bullying
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Surveys
Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Conduct Disorder

