What are Factors Associated With Bullying Behaviour in Rural Secondary Schools in Saudi Arabia?

Abstract

Bullying is a highly prevalent problem for adolescents in schools all around the world. Since Olweus (1991) brought attention to bullying, there has been an increase in studies conducted on this topic, highlighting the many definitions of bullying and its influence on children and adolescents’ psychological well-being. The focus of this project is to investigate the psychosocial risk factors associated with bullying among students in secondary rural schools. This aim is achieved through studying relevant literature and gathering empirical data by using an online questionnaire from 39 registered students in a rural secondary school in Saudi Arabia. The findings of this study provide evidence that misconduct and self-esteem have a significant relationship with bullying behaviour. This dissertation recommends that schools, teachers, and parents work together to reduce bullying behaviours by implementing certain effective preventive programmes.