Addressing Weight-Related Bullying in Schools: Youth Perspectives on School Policies and Interventions
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| Title: | Addressing Weight-Related Bullying in Schools: Youth Perspectives on School Policies and Interventions |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Ritika Kale, Erin N. Harrop (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of School Health. 2025 95(12):1007-1016. |
| Availability: | Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 10 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Bullying, Body Weight, Mental Health, School Policy, Intervention, Adolescents, Young Adults, Educational Environment, Student Experience |
| DOI: | 10.1111/josh.70054 |
| ISSN: | 0022-4391 1746-1561 |
| Abstract: | Background: Weight-related bullying is linked to negative mental health outcomes. However, anti-bullying policies targeting weight-based bullying remain limited. This study aimed to gather youth perspectives on weight-related bullying and potential school interventions. Methods: Data were collected in November 2022 from the MyVoice National Poll of Youth, a diverse cohort of U.S. youth (ages 14-24). Respondents (n = 621) answered five open-ended questions about weight-related bullying, which were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Results: A majority of respondents (71.6%) reported witnessing weight-related bullying. While most respondents attributed bullying to characteristics of the individual doing the bullying (e.g., insecurity), characteristics of the target of the bullying were more commonly named for weight-related bullying compared to bullying in general (46.5% vs. 29.2%; p = 0.0013). Respondents suggested both educational/programming approaches and policy solutions. Most respondents (68.5%) supported the inclusion of weight-related bullying in school anti-bullying policies. Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity: Research on anti-bullying laws shows potential benefits for youth (e.g., reduced bullying, improved mental health). As policies addressing weight-related bullying expand, research is needed to assess their effectiveness and minimize unintended consequences. Conclusions: Youth support the inclusion of weight-related bullying in school policies, which could help create more supportive environments and improve mental health outcomes. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1489249 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Background: Weight-related bullying is linked to negative mental health outcomes. However, anti-bullying policies targeting weight-based bullying remain limited. This study aimed to gather youth perspectives on weight-related bullying and potential school interventions. Methods: Data were collected in November 2022 from the MyVoice National Poll of Youth, a diverse cohort of U.S. youth (ages 14-24). Respondents (n = 621) answered five open-ended questions about weight-related bullying, which were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Results: A majority of respondents (71.6%) reported witnessing weight-related bullying. While most respondents attributed bullying to characteristics of the individual doing the bullying (e.g., insecurity), characteristics of the target of the bullying were more commonly named for weight-related bullying compared to bullying in general (46.5% vs. 29.2%; p = 0.0013). Respondents suggested both educational/programming approaches and policy solutions. Most respondents (68.5%) supported the inclusion of weight-related bullying in school anti-bullying policies. Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity: Research on anti-bullying laws shows potential benefits for youth (e.g., reduced bullying, improved mental health). As policies addressing weight-related bullying expand, research is needed to assess their effectiveness and minimize unintended consequences. Conclusions: Youth support the inclusion of weight-related bullying in school policies, which could help create more supportive environments and improve mental health outcomes. |
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| ISSN: | 0022-4391 1746-1561 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/josh.70054 |
