Bullying Victimization Among Adolescents in Indonesia

Research in Padang, Indonesia, has found that bullying victimization among adolescents is a significant public health issue, with high peer pressure being the strongest predictor of bullying victimization. A cross-sectional study of 401 junior high school students found that 23.2% reported being victims of bullying. The study suggests that school-based interventions should prioritize peer-focused strategies while considering culturally specific parenting dynamics.

Key Takeaways:

• 401 junior high school students participated in a cross-sectional study, with 23.2% reporting being victims of bullying.
• High peer pressure was identified as the strongest predictor of bullying victimization (OR = 5.64, 95% CI = 2.12-15.03, p < 0.01).
• Authoritarian parenting demonstrated an unexpected protective effect within this cultural context.
• School-based interventions should prioritize peer-focused strategies while considering culturally specific parenting dynamics.
• Indonesia's collectivist social framework is a critical factor in understanding bullying victimization.
• The study highlights the importance of developing prevention approaches that account for the local cultural context.

Statistics:

• 23.2% of junior high school students reported being victims of bullying.
• High peer pressure had an odds ratio (OR) of 5.64 for bullying victimization.
• The study was conducted with a sample size of 401 junior high school students.

Sources:

• Predictors of bullying victimization among early adolescents in junior high schools: A cross-sectional study. Belitung Nursing Journal, 2025,11(5).
• Universitas Andalas, Faculty of Nursing, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia.
• Directorate of Research, Technology, and Community Service (Drtpm), Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, Republic of Indonesia.