A new study from Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine has examined the factors that contribute to bullying among U.S. adolescents aged 12 to 17. Using data from the National Survey of Children’s Health, researchers looked at how socioeconomic status, social influences, family dynamics, and health conditions affect the risk of being involved in bullying.
The research found that teens who are overweight or obese, have difficulty making friends, were born outside the United States, or face mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, or learning disabilities are more likely to be involved in bullying—either as victims or perpetrators. Overweight and obese adolescents were particularly at risk for both being bullied and bullying others. Those who engaged in bullying also reported higher rates of behavioral problems and social difficulties.
Foreign-born teenagers experienced higher rates of being bullied compared to their U.S.-born peers. Parental monitoring was found to help protect foreign-born adolescents, possibly because they rely more on family support when dealing with social issues.
The survey included responses from 37,425 adolescents between 2022 and 2023. Of these respondents, 36.7% reported being bullied within the past year; most experienced it once or twice while smaller percentages faced it monthly or more frequently. About 13.2% admitted to bullying others.
Researchers observed a cycle where those who are bullied may become bullies themselves. Many risk factors overlapped for both groups.
“Our findings underscore the urgent need for evidence-based interventions to address bullying and its impact on adolescents’ mental, physical and social well-being,” said Lea Sacca, Ph.D., senior author and assistant professor of population health at FAU’s Schmidt College of Medicine. “Effective strategies involve shaping student attitudes, training school staff to respond to bullying, and engaging caregivers. Schools that implement these approaches have seen meaningful reductions in bullying and improvements in student mental health, offering lasting support to those most at risk.”
Few school-based prevention programs actively involve parents despite evidence that caregiver engagement reduces both victimization and perpetration rates. The study suggests that prevention efforts should be culturally sensitive by providing translated materials and flexible scheduling for workshops.
Collaboration between parents and teachers is highlighted as key for successful programs; parental feedback can improve interventions while strengthening parent-child relationships helps model positive behavior at home.
There is no federal antibullying law in the United States; however, all states have some form of legislation addressing this issue based on recommendations from the Department of Education (DOE). Only a few states fully adopt all DOE components such as clear definitions of bullying targets and detailed district guidance—indicating a need for stronger policies nationwide.
“Preventing bullying requires a team effort – schools, parents and communities working together,” said Sacca. “When parents are actively involved and school policies are strong and consistent, we can create safer environments that support every student’s mental, physical and social well-being.”
Study co-authors include FAU medical students Pedro Soto; Victoria Reis; Isabella Abraham; Cheila Llorens; Ayden Dunn; and Austin Lent.
