Building meaningful relationships at school could be one of the most effective ways to reduce the negative mental health effects of bullying. A new study led by Tiwaloluwa Ajibewa at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago has found that students who feel connected to their schools report fewer signs of depression, even if they have been bullied. The research analyzed data from more than 2,000 children and highlights how school belonging may protect emotional well-being.
Key findings include:
- Over 60% of surveyed children experienced bullying.
- 43% reported bullying began by age 9.
- Teens with strong school connectedness had lower depression scores.
- No strong link was found between connectedness and anxiety.
Table of contents:
- Early bullying and long-term impact
- The role of school connectedness
- Data on anxiety and extracurricular activities
- National efforts to promote kindness and inclusion
Early bullying and long-term impact
Ajibewa’s team used nationwide surveys from 2,175 U.S. children aged 9 and 15. The data revealed that bullying starts early for many. Nearly half of respondents said they were bullied before turning ten, and only 6% reported first-time bullying in high school. Physical aggression was not the only concern. Insults, teasing, exclusion, and online harassment also played a major role.
Researchers asked participants about their mental health and sense of connection at school. Questions included whether they felt close to people there, whether they felt like part of the community, and whether they felt safe. Results were clear. Teens recently bullied—but who felt connected to their school—were less likely to report symptoms of depression than peers who did not feel connected.
Ajibewa emphasized that connection does not prevent bullying entirely but can lessen its harm. “Unfortunately, it’s a common thing,” he said. “But having people to turn to for support can reduce feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.”
The role of school connectedness
Kelly Lynn Mulvey, a psychologist from North Carolina State University, explained the significance of the results. “This work really highlights the key role of feeling like you belong and are a part of your school community,” she said. Mulvey believes these findings underline the importance of making schools “warm, welcoming, and inclusive spaces for kids.”
Amanda Barrett, a graduate researcher at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Bullying Research and Victim Empowerment Lab, agreed. She noted that schools are crucial social environments. “You can’t look at bullying as a finding in isolation,” she said. Barrett added that even children who bully others often lack support within their schools. A more connected environment could potentially help both victims and aggressors.
Even students who were not bullied but felt connected at school showed lower average depression scores than those who did not feel connected. This suggests that the benefits of social ties extend to all students, not only those directly affected by bullying.
Data on anxiety and extracurricular activities
The study found no significant link between school connectedness and anxiety levels. Similarly, participation in after-school activities did not appear to affect depression or anxiety. Ajibewa cautioned that the survey tools may not have captured all relevant factors. “While we didn’t see it, that doesn’t mean it’s not true,” he explained.
Still, extracurricular involvement can offer positive outcomes depending on the activity and the student. Mulvey noted that some programs provide strong support networks, while others may not. “Think about how an activity makes you feel when weighing whether to continue it,” she advised.
National efforts to promote kindness and inclusion
October marks National Bullying Prevention Month in the United States, a campaign that promotes empathy and inclusion in schools. Judy French from the National Bullying Prevention Center in Los Angeles encourages students to take active steps toward building positive communities. “Reach out! Introduce yourself to people you don’t know. … Be a friend,” she urged.
French also emphasized the importance of communication. “Find an adult you could turn to if problems arise,” she said. “And speak up if you see things you don’t like or if you’re experiencing things you don’t like with relationships. You are not alone.”
The study, published on August 14 in BMC Public Health, underscores that stronger school connections can protect mental health and reduce the emotional toll of bullying. Researchers and educators alike agree that fostering supportive school communities is essential to ensuring the well-being of every student.
Source: Science News Explores