Prevalence of bullying among pupils in Baghdad

• Published in: Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association Vol. 74; no. 10 (Supple-08); pp. S119 - S122
• Main Authors: Tawfeeq Al-Ani, Waleed Arif, Al-Delaimy, Ahmed Khalaf, Al-Robaiaay, Yossra Hanoon, Kadhim, Reem Falah
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Pakistan Pakistan Medical Association 01.10.2024
• Subjects: Adolescent; Bullying - statistics & numerical data; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Iraq - epidemiology; Male; Prevalence; Schools; Students - psychology; Students - statistics & numerical data; Iraq; Bullying, Students, Schools, Social Problems
• ISSN: 0030-9982; 0030-9982
• DOI: 10.47391/JPMA-BAGH-16-26

Objective: To find out the prevalence of bullying among primary school students in an urban centre, and tocategorise its types.Method: The descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1, 2018, to March 31, 2019, in Baghdad,Iraq, and comprised primary school children of either gender aged 9-15 years studying in schools in all the 3directorates of the Al-Karkh side of the city. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews with the subjects,from school data, and through interaction with social-guide teachers of the respective classes. Data was analysedusing SPSS 28.Results: Of the 1,000 subjects from 50 schools, 537(53.7) were girls, 322(32.2%) were aged 11 years and 409(40.9%)were in the fifth grade. Overall, 146(14.6%) students reported having been bullied, 29(2.9%) were bulliesthemselves, while 59(5.9%) were both bullies and the bullied. It was found that almost quarter of pupils take part inbullying other pupils and almost 20% of pupils were kicked, pushed or hit by other Pupils during the last month.Conclusion: Bullying was found to be prevalent in the study's sample. No clear legislation is present to prevent orcontrol the social problem that has a significant effect on the mental and behavioural burden on students.Key Words: Bullying, Students, Schools, Social Problems.