A School-Based Intervention to Raise Bullying Awareness Among Primary School Students in Surabaya, Indonesia

Background: Bullying is a pervasive problem in Indonesian schools, with significant negative consequences for students’ well-being and academic performance. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of bullying experiences and improve bullying awareness among primary school students in Surabaya through a school-based intervention. Methods: A bullying awareness program was conducted at one of the primary schools in Surabaya, targeting 112 third-grade students. The intervention included an educational session on the definition, types, and management of bullying, followed by a questionnaire assessment using the Revised Olweus Bullying Questionnaire, consisting of 22 statements, to evaluate students’ experiences with bullying. Results: Prior to the intervention, the questionnaire results revealed that 13.4% of students reported experiencing moderate bullying, and 3.6% reported experiencing severe bullying. Males reported a higher prevalence of both moderate and severe bullying experiences compared to females. The educational intervention led to increased student awareness, as demonstrated by active participation in a Q&A session following the presentation. Conclusion: Bullying is present among primary school students in Surabaya. A school-based awareness program can be a valuable tool to educate students about bullying and identify those in need of support. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing bullying prevention and intervention efforts in primary schools.