Study Links Suicidal Behaviours and Bullying in Youths

Understanding the Connection

Recent research published in The Lancet explores the relationship between suicidal behaviours and bullying among youths, highlighting the influence of gender and regional variations. The study addresses critical questions concerning the prevalence of these issues worldwide and their associated health risks.

Study Overview

To enhance prevention programs globally, the study analyzed data from 220,310 youths aged 12 to 15 across 83 countries. These nations were categorized within World Health Organization (WHO) regions, including Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific, and the Americas.

Methodology

Researchers administered Global School-based Student Health (GSHS) surveys to students in the selected regions. The surveys inquired about the frequency of bullying experiences and various suicidal behaviours, including suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts. Additionally, the surveys assessed other influencing factors such as age, gender, grade level, substance use, social connections, loneliness, anxiety, parental support, and socioeconomic status.

Findings on Gender and Regional Variation

Upon analyzing the data, researchers discovered significant variations in the prevalence of suicidal behaviours and bullying based on gender and geographic location. Notably, boys who experienced bullying exhibited a higher tendency to attempt suicide compared to bullied girls.

In terms of regional disparities, Africa reported the highest rates of both suicidal behaviours and bullying. The Western Pacific region showed the strongest connections between suicide planning, attempts, and bullying, while Southeast Asia exhibited the most pronounced association with suicidal ideation and bullying.

Global Prevalence Rates

The study revealed that the global prevalence of suicidal ideation stood at 16.5%, with suicide planning at 16.5% and suicide attempts at 16.4%. Additionally, 35.3% of youths reported experiences of being bullied.

Implications for Prevention Programs

Given the observed variations in suicidal behaviours and bullying, the researchers emphasized the importance of tailoring prevention programs to consider gender and regional factors. This approach could enhance the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing rates of suicidal behaviours and bullying.

Future Research Directions

While this study provides valuable insights for global health initiatives, it stops short of establishing causation between bullying and suicidal behaviours. Future research is needed to identify causal links, which could significantly improve prevention strategies.

Limitations of the Study

It is essential to note that the study included only two European countries—Macedonia and Tajikistan—while excluding significant North American nations like Canada and the United States. The absence of these countries may lead to further gender and regional variations, potentially altering global prevalence rates.

Conclusion

The findings of this study underscore the urgent need for enhanced prevention strategies that consider gender and regional differences, aiming to create more effective programs to combat bullying and suicidal behaviours among youths.

Written by Shayna Goldenberg
Reference: Tang, J., Yu, Y., Wilcox, H., Kang, C., Wang, K., Wang, C., Wu, Y., and Chen, R. (2020). Global risks of suicidal behaviours and being bullied and their association in adolescents: School-based health survey in 83 countries. EClinicalMedicine, p.100253.
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