Bullying among Children in Split, Croatia: Association with General, Psychosocial, Behavioral and School Variables

The first aim was to determine the prevalence of bullying behavior in the city of Split, Croatia. The second aim was to associate the specific bully status with demographic, family, psychosocial, behavioral, and school variables. This cross-sectional study with self-administered questionnaires included 567 children and 166 teachers. Study results revealed 16.3% of all children to have been involved in bullying behavior. Regression analysis revealed the bullies as compared to the non-involved group to be significantly associated with aggressive behavior, children's approving attitude towards aggressiveness, and male gender. Our overall prevalence rate and associations of variables were in accordance with the other international studies. Interventions for male pupils who have manifest bully behavior and have aggressive attitudes, as well as for their families, need to be a priority.