SOCIAL FACTORS INFLUENCING BULLYING IN EIGHTH GRADE STUDENTS

Abstract

The research is based on the need to understand the phenomenon of bullying and its implications on the well-being of students, considering that the objective was to identify the social factors that affect bullying in eighth grade students of the Heroes del Cenepa Municipal School of Loja during the first semester of 2024. A study was carried out in the aforementioned school, located in the province of Loja, Ecuador, between March and July 2024, using a methodology that included the application of an AVE questionnaire, which covered 50 items distributed in four areas: Harassment, Intimidation, Exclusion and Aggressiveness, as well as a survey to collect data on students' interpersonal relationships. The results revealed that 86% of the students report a good family coexistence, but only 36% feel accepted by their peers. In addition, 56% of the students experience name-calling, indicating a significant problem of verbal harassment, and although 68% of the students receive support from their peers, 10% do not feel supported. In conclusion, social factors, such as family coexistence and peer support, are determinants in the experience of bullying, and the high incidence of name-calling and the perception of social exclusion require the implementation of effective interventions to promote a safe and supportive school environment.