Bullying and mental health of elementary and high school students
literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47456/rbps.v27isupl_1.48255Keywords:
Bullying, Mental health, Students, Elementary school, High schoolAbstract
Introduction: Bullying is a form of peer violence involving a power or strength imbalance, in which an aggressor, without apparent motivation, acts intentionally and repeatedly over time, causing harm or suffering to the victim. It is estimated that in Brazil, approximately 25% of elementary and high school students are involved in bullying, either as victims or aggressors. Objectives: To analyze the scientific literature on the relationship between bullying and the mental health of elementary and high school students within the Brazilian educational context. Methods: Three of the country’s main databases were consulted. Using the descriptors bullying AND school AND mental health, 261 potentially relevant titles were found. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 24 articles were selected to compose the corpus of this study. These articles were analyzed through content analysis. Results: The studies showed that school bullying significantly affects the mental health of all those involved, generating a wide range of negative emotions and feelings, and contributing to the onset and/or worsening of various mental disorders. They also emphasized that bullying should be investigated and prevented not only within the school context but also in the family environment. Conclusion: The need to promote the health and care of students involved in bullying is emphasized, particularly because they are individuals in biopsychosocial development. It is critically important to implement and strengthen intersectoral public policies, especially in the health and education sectors, in collaboration with the Child and Adolescent Rights Guarantee System.
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