Examining Bullying Victimization, Bullying Perpetration, and Positive Childhood Experiences.

Abstract

The National Academy of Sciences has recognized bullying as a serious public health issue, with the outcomes of bullying immediate and long-term. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between 7 selected positive childhood experiences, such as having a mentor, and bullying victimization, and bullying perpetration. We used cross sectional data from the 2019-2020 National Survey of Children's Health, children ages 6 to 17 (n=43,999). Bivariate analyses were used, with p < .05 deemed significant. To examine the association between experiences and bullying victimization or perpetration, multivariable regression models were used. Children who experienced any of the following positive childhood experiences had a lower odds of perpetration of bullying victimization: resilient family; safe neighborhood; supportive neighborhood; or connected caregiver. The following covariates had a lower odds of perpetrating bullying, across all models: race other than white, female sex, age of 13 or older, primary language not English, and a guardian education of a high school diploma or less. Schools can play a formative role in promoting positive childhood experiences identified herein. Findings from this study may be beneficial for educators, policy makers, and child advocacy stakeholders as they design and implement school or community-based youth development programs.