Prevalence and Behavioral Ranking of Bullying and Victimization Among Secondary Students in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macao

Apparent bullying and victimization rates vary, depending on how these rates are measured. This study used Olweus-type global items and a short version of the School Bullying Scales to investigate the prevalence rate and behavioral ranking of bullying and victimization among secondary students in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macao. We used the response categories and cut-off point from the World Health Organization Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study. A total of 11,876 secondary students (grades 7-12) participated in this study. Results revealed that the rates of self-reported bullying, victimization, and combined bullying/victimization were 5.1, 9.3, and 1.8 %, respectively. The prevalence rates of bullying and victimization in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macao were quite similar. More male students were involved in bullying and victimization than female students. Prevalence rates of bullying and victimization decreased as grade level increased. Verbal bullying and victimization were the most common categories of school bullying. Implications of the results for bullying research are discussed.