Epidemiological studies of the incidence of bullying and educational implications

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to analyze the results of the national and international epidemiological studies that inform of the incidence of  bullying in order to compare the incidences, appraise the severity of the  situation, and point out some guidelines for prevention and intervention. The review of the studies reveals a mean severe victimization rate between 3 and 10%, and the percentage of students who suffer violent behaviors ranged between 20 and 30%. The incidence of the phenomenon is worthy considering and fairly similar in all countries, although the diversity of instruments administered prevents linear comparisons; however, notwithstanding, common tendencies and characteristics in the results of  the investigations are found. Preventive measures that can be adopted to  improve living together and to promote positive attitudes in children and adolescents are discussed. For this purpose, websites provided that present plans to live together, and resources as well as references of programs for prevention and intervention in school violence.