Bullying and associated risk factors among adolescents in a secondary school in Lobatse, Botswana

Background: The prevalence of bullying globally is concerning. There is a lack of data to inform policies against bullying in Botswana. Aim: The study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of bullying among students in a senior secondary school. Setting: The study was conducted in Lobatse, Botswana. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among 372 Lobatse Senior Secondary School students. Data were collected using the Illinois Bullying Scale, Cyberbullying, Strengths and Difficulties, Car, Relax, Alone, Forget Friends, Trouble (CRAFFT) and the Oslo Social Support Scale. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 28. Results: Overall prevalence of bullying was 23.2%, 33.1% and 42.5% for perpetration, victimisation and cyberbullying, respectively. Being male (B = –0.143, p = 0.004), having poor social support (B = –0.193, p = < 0.001), having a possible substance use problem (B = 0.157, p = 0.002) and having conduct disorder (B = 0.276, p = < 0.001) were found to be significantly associated with bullying perpetration. Having a conduct problem was the only factor associated with bullying victimisation (B = 0.0276, p < 0.001). Factors significantly associated with cyberbullying were being a day scholar (B = –0.117, p = 0.021), having a substance use problem (B = 0.136, p = 0.008) and possible conduct disorder (B = 0.177, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Bullying is on the rise in Botswana secondary schools, highlighting the need for effective prevention strategies. Contribution: The study offers insights into bullying patterns among secondary school students and identifies areas to be targeted for prevention.