Socioeconomic Inequality in Exposure to Bullying During Adolescence: A Comparative, Cross-Sectional, Multilevel Study in 35 Countries
Date
2009
Authors
Due, P.
Merlo, J.
Harel-Fisch, Y.
Damsgaard, M.
Holstein, B.
Hetland, J.
Currie, C.
Nic Gabhain, S.
Gaspar de Matos, M.
Lynch, J.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
American Journal of Public Health, 2009; 99(5):907-912
Statement of Responsibility
Pernille Due, Juan Merlo, Yossi Harel-Fisch, Mogens Trab Damsgaard, Bjørn E. Holstein, Jørn Hetland, Candace Currie, Saoirse Nic Gabhainn, Margarida Gaspar de Matos, and John Lynch
Conference Name
Abstract
Objectives. We examined the socioeconomic distribution of adolescent exposure to bullying internationally and documented the contribution of the macroeconomic environment. Methods. We used an international survey of 162 305 students aged 11, 13, and 15 years from nationally representative samples of 5998 schools in 35 countries in Europe and North America for the 2001–2002 school year. The survey used standardized measures of exposure to bullying and socioeconomic affluence. Results. Adolescents from families of low affluence reported higher prevalence of being victims of bullying (odds ratio [OR] = 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10, 1.16). International differences in prevalence of exposure to bullying were not associated with the economic level of the country (as measured by gross national income) or the school, but wide disparities in affluence at a school and large economic inequality (as measured by the Gini coefficient) at the national level were associated with an increased prevalence of exposure to bullying. Conclusions. There is socioeconomic inequality in exposure to bullying among adolescents, leaving children of greater socioeconomic disadvantage at higher risk of victimization. Adolescents who attend schools and live in countries where socioeconomic differences are larger are at higher risk of being bullied.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
Link to a related website: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2667858, Open Access via Unpaywall
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© 2009 American Public Health Association