Bullying and cyberbullying: Sex-based differences in the 5th and 6th grade of primary education

Abstract

The scientific literature has found dissenting results upon analyzing gender-based differences in bullying-and especially in cyberbullying. This study undertook to analyze these differences between sexes in a sample of the last cycle of primary education in the Basque Country. The “Cyberbullying: Screening of peer harassment” test was administered to 1993 participants (average age = 10.68)-50.2% boys and 48.8% girls. As for bullying the results show a similar percentage of pure-victims, pure-bullies and bystanders in both sexes; only a higher percentage of victim-aggressive children was confirmed. Upon analyzing the behaviors suffered and perpetrated, it was found that a significantly higher percentage of children participated as victims, aggressors and bystanders of physical, verbal and psychological aggressions. The average score of behavior suffered, perpetrated and observed was also significantly higher in boys. Percentages in cyberbullying in both sexes were similar in all the roles. However, upon analyzing said behaviors, it was found that a greater percentage of children are victims of assaults (recording said assaults and uploading them to the Internet), and that they receive anonymous calls to scare them, whilst a greater percentage of girls observe behaviors of sexual harassment. Finally, the average cybervictimization score was significantly higher in children. This study provides information on a problem of public interest, and underscores the importance of creating intervention programs for children of these ages.