Summary
This cross-sectional survey of 3,173 secondary school students in Galicia, Spain examined associations between bullying experiences and substance use among adolescents. The study found that involvement in either school bullying or cyberbullying—whether as victim, perpetrator, or bully-victim—was significantly associated with higher rates of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis consumption, as well as elevated risky consumption patterns. The authors recommend integrated prevention strategies addressing both bullying and addictive behaviours simultaneously.
UK applicability
The findings may be relevant to UK secondary schools and youth services, though prevalence rates and patterns of bullying and substance use may differ by region, socioeconomic context, and local policy environment. UK practitioners could consider whether dual prevention frameworks addressing both bullying and substance misuse simultaneously might improve outcomes.
Key measures
Substance consumption habits and risky consumption rates (assessed via AUDIT, CAST, and CRAFFT); school bullying and cyberbullying involvement (assessed via EBIPQ and ECIPQ); adolescent age 12–17 years
Outcomes reported
The study measured the prevalence of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis consumption among adolescents aged 12–17 years, and assessed rates of risky substance use using validated screening tools. It examined associations between involvement in school bullying or cyberbullying (in any role: victim, perpetrator, or bully-victim) and substance consumption patterns.
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