Perceived motives for bullying victimization among Puerto Rican adolescents

Teen bullying is an ever increasing public health concern around the world.  Younger kids can be bullied due to sexual orientation, race, religion, or for being shy/introverted.  Our objective was to explore the main reasons for being bullied by gender and age.  The sample (n=3,982) in this cross-sectional survey was selected using a multi-stage stratified cluster sampling design, and was representative of all 7th-12th grade students in PR. Data was collected using a pre-coded self-administered questionnaire.  Proportions were compared using chi-square tests. Almost 20% of adolescents reported ever being bullied; approximately 15% reported bullying in the last year.  Prevalence of bullying was highest among females and among students 15 years old.  Most adolescents have been bullied due to: physical appearance (53%), weight (30%), being studious or having good grades (26%), or for being talented in art/music/sports (21%). Prevalence of bullying due to being though effeminate or gay/homosexual/lesbian was higher among males; females had higher prevalences of bullying due to appearance, weight, grades, and religious beliefs. There were no differences by gender in bullying due to being talented.  Prevalences were highest among students age 15 and 16 for all motives except for weigh (highest among those >16) and for being though mannish (highest in the younger kids). Bullying due to talent was highest among those age 11 and 16. This information will be useful for the elaboration of school policies to manage and prevent bullying among students. We also need to identify associated factors for precise bullying prevention programs in schools.