Children and adolescents subjected to aggressive or unwanted actions from peers, often repeatedly and over time, experience a range of negative impacts. These actions can be physical, verbal, relational (social exclusion), or involve cyberbullying. Examples include physical assaults, name-calling, spreading rumors, and online harassment.
Understanding the experiences of these young people is crucial for fostering safe and supportive learning environments. It enables the development of effective prevention and intervention strategies, improves student well-being and academic outcomes, and promotes a more inclusive school climate. Research into this area has evolved significantly, leading to a deeper understanding of the psychological, social, and educational consequences of such negative experiences. This knowledge informs current best practices in bullying prevention and response.