The prevalence of school bullying in grade 4 – 6 primary school students in sub-district Nai Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima city municipality

Abstract

Background: Bullying is a significant worldwide problem that leads to negative effects on both physical and mental health. Therefore, understanding the issue of bullying in schools can help prevent bullying problems.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of school bullying in grade 4 – 6 primary school students in sub-district Nai Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima city municipality.

Methods: This is a descriptive study. Data were collected from Grade 4 – 6 primary school students in the Nai Mueang sub-district of the Nakhon Ratchasima City Municipality during the 2021 school year. The tool used was a questionnaire divided into five parts: personal information, environmental information, experiences of being bullied, witnessing bullying, and bullying others at school. This was based on a literature review of related behaviors and risk factors contributing to bullying in schools.

Results: A total of the 336 students, 51 students were bullied (15%), The number of students who were bullied in school was 25 males (49%) and 26 females (51%). That the educational qualification of parents, parenting style and witness of domestic violence is associated with being bullied at school. Statistically significant, the most common form of bullying was profanity, making jokes that caused pain or regret were 38%. Bullying usually occurs from students in the same class.

Conclusion: Bullying is prevalent nowadays and is more common in elementary school children. Providing knowledge and guidance to help and prevention of bullying will help reduce the negative effects on children.