H, Extent of Bullying at Secondary-Level Educational Institutions in Bangladesh

Md. Arizul Islam Khan; Md. Abud Darda Darda; Md. Ismail Hossain

Authors

Dr. Md. Arizul Islam Khan Author
Dr. Md. Abud Darda Author
Md. Ismail Hossain Author

Keywords:

Bullying Causes of Bullying Consequences of Bullying Health Hazards Academic Performance

Abstract

Bullying at schools is considered the most contemptible anti-social behavior for students. In recent days, after COVID-19, the prevalence of this offense has been observed as very common among students at the secondary level. The present study aims to investigate the prevalence of bullying experienced by Bangladeshi school students and understand the relative consequences. The study follows a mixed research approach and collected both primary and secondary data. Some pseudo-case studies, semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews (KIIs), and surveys were conducted. Implementing the Social Cognitive Theory (1986), Social Order Theory (1912), and Iacovou et al. Model (1995) as the theoretical lens and bullying literature as a supportive theoretical background, a preliminary research model was formed.

Utilizing a semi-structured interview schedule, pseudo-case studies were conducted with eight purposively and conveniently selected bullying-victim students at secondary-level schools in Bangladesh. Based on the content analysis of case findings and KIIs, a structured questionnaire was formed for the survey. The survey was carried out among 320 students in classes nine and ten at secondary schools located in eight administrative divisions of Bangladesh. Using a stratified sampling technique, two schools were selected from each division, from which 20 students were chosen. Convenience and snowball sampling techniques were used to identify the sample respondents. Survey data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 and SmartPLS 3.3.3 software.

The study reveals that about 67% of secondary school students were victims of bullying over the previous year. Verbal bullying dominates, including name-calling and teasing. Cyberbullying ranks second, while physical bullying, such as pushing or shoving, ranks third. Psychological bullying and sexual harassment were also observed to some extent. Boys, students in public schools, and students attending urban schools experienced significantly higher bullying victimization. Bullies’ jealousy, revenge-seeking, aggressive attitudes, power exercise, and victims’ deviance acted as contributing factors to bullying. The aftermath of bullying was observed in health hazards and weak academic performance among victims. The findings of this study would be helpful for policymakers and other stakeholders in reforming anti-bullying policies.

Author Biographies

Dr. Md. Arizul Islam Khan

Deputy Director, National Academy for Educational Management (NAEM), Ministry of Education, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Dr. Md. Abud Darda

Professor, National University, Gazipur, Bangladesh.
Md. Ismail Hossain

Assistant Professor, Islamia Government College, Sirajganj, Bangladesh.

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