Bullying victimization, physical inactivity and sedentary behavior among children and adolescents: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Physical activity and sedentary behavior are related with psycho-social variables among youth, however its relationship with bullying victimization is unclear. The aim of the study was to clarify the associations between physical activity and sedentary behaviors with bullying victimization among children and adolescents. Methods Two independent authors searched in four databases. The studies were selected/included only if participants were children and/or adolescents and the relationship between physical activity and/or sedentary behavior with bullying victimization was reported. Random-effects meta-analyses were used. Results A total of 18 cross-sectional studies (including 386,740 children and adolescents, 51.8% females) were reviewed. Our study found that not meeting the physical activity guidelines (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04 to 1.23) and excessive sedentary behavior (i.e., 2 h per day or more of screen time) (OR = 1.21, 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.28) were associated with 14 and 21% higher bullying victimization, respectively. Consistent associations were also found when we analyzed specific forms of bullying for sedentary behavior, including traditional and cyberbullying. Conclusions The present study establishes the first quantitative framework for understanding the influence of physical activity and sedentary behavior on bullying victimization, and lays the groundwork for future studies and interventions aimed to its promotion. Trial registration CRD42018099388.

Developmental Effects of Screen Time on Gender Diverse Student’s Experiences of Bullying Victimization

“…The results of this study support previous research showing screen time as a risk factor for bullying victimization (e.g., García-Hermoso et al, 2020;Katapally et al, 2018;Mishna et al, 2021), but also suggest that this risk factor may be more applicable to cisgender youth than transgender or gender nonconforming youth. The results reported in García-Hermoso et al…”

“…Screen time has been found to have a positive association with bullying, bully victimization, and identifying as a bully-victim. Additionally, those who are not involved in bullying behaviors engage in less screen time (Busch et al, 2013;García-Hermoso et al, 2020;Katapally et al, 2018;Kowalski et al, 2014). In García-Hermoso et al's (2020) recent metaanalytic review, youth who spent 2 hours or more per day on screens were associated with 21% higher victimization of cyber and traditional bullying.…”

Which one? A comparative study of traditional and sports uniforms on academic achievement, cognitive performance, playtime, bullying, and discrimination in adolescents: The Cogni-Action Project

“…Finally, and connecting this result with the previous finding addressed, the early detection of bullying and discrimination is fundamental as it could strengthen the social relationships among students and improve school coexistence, where physical activity plays a vital role at school (54). Furthermore, increased physical activity has been associated with reduced bullying victimization and enhanced cognitive performance and academic achievement (27,55,56). Therefore, in this large sample of Chilean adolescents, the kind of uniform wore was not related to bullying and discrimination, solving great social, family, and school principals' concerns.…”

Relationship of Exclusion From Physical Education and Bullying in Students With Specific Developmental Disorder of Scholastic Skills

“…This can be fulfilled in a suitable way, especially by involvement in school physical education. A clear connection between students' non-involvement in physical activities and a higher prevalence of bullying is documented by a number of previous findings by García-Hermoso et al [36]. However Fisher and Dzikus describe, when athletes bully each other, it appears that they are influenced by gender norms and significant others (e.g., peers, coaches) [37].…”