Understanding young people’s experiences and perceptions of relational bullying: A qualitative study

Background: Bullying among young people has been acknowledged as a public health concern. Relational bullying is the systematic manipulation and damage of peer relationships; the way in which it is perceived can influence detection and interventions, in view of this, relational bullying warranted further exploration from the perspectives of young people. Aim: To understand the experience and perception of relational bullying among young people. Methods: A qualitative approach underpinned the undertaking of 11 face-to-face interviews with young people aged 12-18 years. Data was thematically analysed. Findings: Seven themes emerged: The complexity of defining bullying; The role of friends; Negative impacts; Social media; Normalisation; Personal resources to aid navigation; External resources to aid navigation. Conclusions: Factors that help and hinder the navigation of relational bullying were identified, the family playing a crucial role in mitigating the negative effects. The findings have the potential to be relevant to other forms of bullying.