Bullying Among Children in Split, Croatia: Association with General, Psychosocial, Behavioral and School Variables

Abstract

The first aim was to determine the prevalence of bullying behavior
in the city of Split, Croatia. The second aim was to associate
the specific bully status with demographic, family, psychosocial,
behavioral, and school variables. This cross-sectional study with
self-administered questionnaires included 567 children and 166
teachers. Study results revealed 16.3% of all children to have
been involved in bullying behavior. Regression analysis revealed
the bullies as compared to the non-involved group to be
significantly associated with aggressive behavior, children's
approving attitude towards aggressiveness, and male gender.
Our overall prevalence rate and associations of variables were in
accordance with the other international studies. Interventions for
male pupils who have manifest bully behavior and have
aggressive attitudes, as well as for their families, need to be a
priority.