Bullying: Prevalence and the Effect of Age and Gender

This study investigated the prevalence and nature of bullying and victimization utilizing a cross-sectional design, targeting children in grades 5, 6, and 10. Multiple measures of aggression and bullying/victimization were completed by children, parents, and teachers. Analyses revealed rates of bullying consistent with those observed in the literature. Consistent with expectations, males were rated overall as engaging in more fighting and overt aggression than females. However, contrary to expectations, no support was found for the notion that bullying behavior would decrease with age. Examination of gender differences suggested that in grade 6, boys demonstrated higher levels of overt bullying behavior, and in grade 10 girls exhibited higher levels of relational bullying behavior. Implications of these findings are discussed.