Peer Bullying and Victimization among High School Students in Kuwait

Abstract

This study is the first to examine gender differences and bullying in Kuwaiti schools, comparing the level of peer bullying and victimization among male and female students based on a sample of 840 cases drawn from 9th and 10th grade students in high schools in Kuwait. The sample was divided into two groups. Descriptive analysis and t-tests showed that male students were significantly more involved in direct bullying than females were, while female students were indirectly victimized more than the males. Kuwaiti females scored more indirect bullying and indirect victimization than males did. Finally, grade nine students had higher means in direct bullying than did students in grade ten. This research adds to the comparative data on bullying in the schools. Future researchers should investigate additional variables, including the effects of corporal punishment and sibling relationships.