Bullying among students ecological insights from a school based adolescent health survey, Himachal Pradesh, India

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Bullying among adolescents is a growing public health concern with serious mental, emotional, and social well-being consequences. This study aims to assess prevalence of physical and cyberbullying among school-going adolescents (13-17 years) in Himachal Pradesh, India, and identify risky and protective factors using an ecological framework descriptively. METHODS: A cross-sectional, school-based survey was conducted across Himachal Pradesh using culturally adapted standardised questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with bullying perpetration and victimization. RESULTS: Out of 7563 adolescents surveyed, 18.41% reported involvement in physical or cyber bullying, with 13.96% involved in physical bullying and 9.64% in cyberbullying. Additionally, 15.60% adolescents reported being victims, including 11.40% experiencing physical and 7.88% cyberbullying. Associated Perpetration factors: • Behavioral factors: Increased risk was associated with junk food consumption, skipping breakfast, substance use, sexual activity, excessive screen time (>8 hours/day), and involvement in physical fights. • Emotional factors: Feelings of hopelessness and nervousness were associated with increased odds of both physical and cyberbullying. • Family-related factors: Adolescents with unskilled parents had higher odds of bullying others, while strong parental connectedness showed significant positive association. Victimization • Demographic and behavioral factors: Boys and adolescents from urban areas were more likely to be victims. Additional associated factors included unhealthy eating habits, substance use and sexual activity. • Emotional factors: Feelings of disappointment and distress were associated with increased victimization • Family-related factors: Parental connectedness was protective against both forms of bullying. CONCLUSION: Findings highlight significant prevalence of both physical and cyberbullying among adolescents in Himachal Pradesh, with distinct behavioral, emotional, and family-related risk factors. Parental connectedness proved protective, underscoring the need for integrated, multi-level interventions to foster healthier behaviors, emotional well-being, and safer schools. Ayushman Bharat School Health and Wellness Programme can be strengthened by tailoring its module based on the identified risk and protective factors.