Using Physical Education Interventions to Prevent Bullying at School: A Systematic Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT This systematic review aims to summarize relevant studies that have evaluated an intervention to prevent bullying and its consequences, in order to highlight main strategies to prevent these episodes. A systematic review of PubMed, ERIC, Education Database, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and FECYT databases was performed until April 20, 2022. From a total of 410 studies initially found, 12 were included in the qualitative synthesis. These 12 studies presented several interventions. Promising interventions included targeting bullying perpetrators, victims, and bystanders simultaneously, as well as building a perceived caring climate and increasing children’s resilience. Summary conclusions found that targeting bullying perpetrators, victims, and bystanders simultaneously can prevent disruptive attitudes and bullying by focusing on social and emotional learning and a positive school climate, which can be helpful in providing physical education teachers with a central role in preventing bullying.