What predicts being a victim of bullying in adolescence? An examination of risk factors from childhood and adolescence

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine predictors of being a victim of bullying in adolescence. Design/methodology/approach: Data come from mothers and their children who participated in the prospective longitudinal Mater-University of Queensland Study of Pregnancy and its Outcomes. The authors examine predictors of being a victim of bullying collected at the 5-year and 14-year follow-ups (<i>n</i> = 2,815). Findings: Adolescents (aged 14) more likely bullied were male (odds ratios [OR] = 1.93), had social attention and thought problems (OR = 1.99), performed below average in school (OR = 1.73), had later pubertal onset (OR = 3.02) and were the most overweight (OR = 1.75). Multiple risk factors elevated the likelihood of being a victim of bullying, although high numbers of false positives were observed. Originality/value: Given victims of bullying are at increased risk of adverse social and health outcomes, improved identification of those most vulnerable ensures they can receive appropriate support and resources. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)