Bullying is a prevalent issue in today’s society, affecting individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. However, research has shown that certain demographics, including gender, are more susceptible to experiencing bullying than others.

This article will explore the question of which gender experiences more bullying: boys or girls.

Bullying Statistics

Research on bullying has found that both boys and girls experience bullying at similar rates. However, the type and severity of bullying may differ based on gender.

According to a study conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics, 20% of students in the United States reported being bullied in 2016-2017.

Of these students, 13% reported being bullied in-person, while 7% reported being bullied electronically. While these statistics do not differentiate between genders, they do show the prevalence of bullying in American schools.

Boys and Bullying

The stereotype of the bully as a physically aggressive boy is not entirely accurate. However, research has shown that boys are more likely to engage in physical bullying and verbal bullying than girls.

According to a study by the American Psychological Association, boys are more likely to report being victims of physical bullying, such as being hit or shoved, and verbal bullying, such as name-calling and teasing, than girls.

Additionally, there is a societal expectation placed on boys to appear tough and masculine, which can lead to cases of bullying being downplayed or ignored.

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Boys who are bullied may be less likely to seek help or report the bullying, which can perpetuate the cycle of abuse.

Girls and Bullying

While girls are less likely to engage in physical bullying than boys, research has shown that they are more likely to engage in relational bullying.

Relational bullying involves using relationships or social status to hurt, exclude, or manipulate others.

Girls who engage in relational bullying may spread rumors, exclude others from social events, or use social media to manipulate and harass their peers.

This type of bullying is often more difficult to detect and address, as it can be more subtle than physical bullying.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both boys and girls experience bullying at similar rates, with different types of bullying being more prevalent among each gender.

Boys tend to experience more physical and verbal bullying, while girls tend to experience more relational bullying.

It is important to address bullying in all forms, regardless of the gender of the individual involved. Schools and communities must work together to create a safe and supportive environment for all students.