Silent victims: risk factors associated with school violence in Peruvian adolescents

School violence is a global and complex problem.

Identify the types of school violence and their associated factors in Peruvian adolescents.

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted. Two self-administered instruments were administered to 253 adolescents selected through stratified random sampling from the first to fifth grade of secondary school at a Peruvian public institution in 2024. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with school violence.

Verbal violence (63.24%) and psychological violence (54.94%) were the most prevalent, while physical violence (37.55%) and sexual violence (3.95%) were less frequent. The most influential factors were individual (75.49%), social (62.87%), and family (56.13%) factors, whereas community (35.56%), cultural (35.97%), and school (43.10%) factors had less influence. Bivariate analysis revealed significant associations between school violence and sex (p = 0.03), family type (p = 0.02), socioeconomic status (p = 0.01), and area of residence (p = 0.03). Multivariate analysis found an association between individual, family, and social factors and school violence, specifically with verbal and psychological violence.

These findings confirm the central role of personal, social, and family dynamics in shaping experiences of school violence. Addressing only school-related factors may be insufficient; interventions should also target adolescents' interpersonal environments to achieve long-term impact.

School violence is a complex and multifactorial phenomenon. Comprehensive intervention strategies are recommended, not only to reduce violence but also to promote positive school climates that support learning and emotional well-being.