A Systematic Review of the Prevalence and Microsystem Risk Factors of Bullying Victimization Among Adolescents.
Nanda Tri Rahmatika, Mahalul Azam, Bertakalswa Hermawati et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review synthesized quantitative studies of bullying victimization and microsystem risk factors among adolescents aged 12–19 years. Twenty-six studies involving 138,506 adolescents were included, with findings summarized narratively by bullying type and individual, family, peer, and school domains. Reported prevalence ranged from 3.37% to 86.2% for traditional bullying victimization and from 2.13% to 52.2% for cyberbullying victimization. Frequently reported risk factors included psychological distress, prior bullying, and limited support from parents, peers, or teachers.
Key findings
- Traditional bullying victimization prevalence ranged from 3.37% to 86.2%; cyberbullying victimization ranged from 2.13% to 52.2%.
- The review included 26 studies involving 138,506 adolescents and identified 31 microsystem risk factors across four domains.
- Frequently reported factors included younger age, male sex, frequent internet or social media use, psychological distress, and previous bullying experiences.
- Poor parent-child relationships or parental support, low peer support, and limited teacher support were also consistently reported.
Why it matters
The wide prevalence ranges and multiple associated factors indicate that adolescent bullying victimization is not confined to one setting or domain. Considering family, peer, and school environments alongside individual factors can help frame prevention efforts. The review also highlights that differences in definitions and measurement may limit comparisons across studies.
What to keep in mind
The review synthesized findings narratively, and the authors note that standardized definitions and measurement approaches are needed to improve comparability.