School bullying and prevention strategies in middle school students

Abstract

Introduction: Bullying is a complex problem that violates the rights of children and adolescents, affecting their social and academic development. This research focused on analyzing bullying and prevention strategies among middle school students at the "Washington Pazmiño Vargas" Educational Unit. The study was based on the premise that the lack of prevention strategies and training in socio-emotional skills negatively impacts coexistence, emotional well-being, and academic performance of students. Materials and methods: A qualitative, descriptive, and field-based approach was adopted. The sample, selected through non-probability convenience sampling, consisted of 70 sixth- and seventh-grade students, four teachers, and one educational psychologist. Data collection techniques included structured observation over two weeks and semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed using categorization and thematic coding. Results: Observation identified verbal bullying as the most frequent form, followed by social bullying; physical and psychological bullying were less common but more severe. Interviews with teachers revealed that aggressors often exhibit authoritarian attitudes, while victims display shyness, anxiety, and poor academic performance. The educational psychologist emphasized the need for clear rules, emotional support for victims, and restorative practices with aggressors. Discussion: The findings confirm that bullying, especially verbal bullying, is prevalent and directly impacts the classroom climate and academic performance. It is discussed that underlying causes include a lack of values at home and a permissive school environment. The effectiveness of prevention strategies is linked to early intervention, family involvement, and collaborative work by the entire educational community. Conclusions: It is concluded that bullying in its various forms significantly affects academic performance and student well-being. It is determined that the most effective prevention strategies are comprehensive and include the establishment of clear rules, a restorative approach, emotional support, and shared responsibility among families.