Abstract:
This study aimed to explore on the experiences of bullying among high school students in public and private co-educational schools in Bulacan. Specifically, it sought to determine the prevalence, risk and protective factors and effects of bullying on both the victims and perpetrators. Two hundred and forty-nine (249) male and female students participated in the survey. Moreover, parents, and professionals were interviewed to gain deeper insights about bullying. The results showed that 63.9% (N=249) of the respondents experienced bullying sometime in their lives. Of this number, 18.5 percent were victims, 10.0 percent were perpetrators, and 35.3 percent were both. Students from private schools significantly experience more bullying compared to those from public schools. However, gender was not found to be an issue. Both males and females were susceptible to experience bullying. Teasing about physical appearance was the most common form of bullying. Contrary to common notions, the level of self-esteem was not affected by bullying experiences. In general, being bullied could provoke adolescents to exhibit resiliency. In spite of the positive response to bullying, students should still be protected against bullying as it could also induce untoward effects such as reluctance to attend classes. Parents and the school administration must cooperate in actions against bullying. Parents should spend more quality time with their children and maintain an open communication with them.
