Bullying in the US 2025
Bullying in the United States continues to be a widespread and deeply concerning issue in 2025, affecting the lives of millions of children and adolescents across diverse communities. Despite growing awareness and legislative efforts, bullying remains a persistent threat to students’ emotional, psychological, and academic well-being. With nearly one in three teenagers reporting some form of bullying in the past year, the scope of the problem demands sustained national attention. From school hallways to digital platforms, today’s youth face increasingly complex forms of harassment, including traditional physical and verbal abuse, as well as modern variations such as cyberbullying through social media, messaging apps, and online gaming platforms. These trends reflect a dynamic shift in how bullying occurs, requiring educators, parents, and policymakers to adapt quickly and develop targeted strategies to ensure safe environments for all students.
Recent national surveys and federal health data offer a revealing look into the current state of bullying in American schools, highlighting both the demographic disparities and mental health consequences associated with victimization. The statistics show that bullying disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, including girls, LGBTQ+ youth, students with disabilities, and younger adolescents. Notably, these populations report significantly higher rates of both in-person and electronic bullying, contributing to increased levels of anxiety, depression, school avoidance, and even long-term trauma. The evolving nature of bullying, combined with varying state-level policies and inconsistent support systems, underscores the urgency for coordinated, evidence-based interventions that prioritize empathy, inclusion, and mental health support across educational systems nationwide.
Bullying Stats & Facts in the US 2025
| Bullying Facts | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Overall teenage bullying rate | 34.0% of teenagers were bullied in the past 12 months |
| High school students bullied on school property | One in five (approximately 20%) |
| High school students bullied electronically | More than one in six (approximately 17%) |
| Girls vs. boys bullying rates | Girls: 38.3%, Boys: 29.9% |
| Sexual/gender minority teenagers | 47.1% bullied vs. 30.0% non-minority |
| Teenagers with developmental disabilities | 44.4% bullied vs. 31.3% without disabilities |
| White non-Hispanic teenagers | 39.6% bullied (highest among racial groups) |
| Asian teenagers | 16.1% bullied (lowest among racial groups) |
| Daily bullying frequency | 1.7% of teenagers bullied almost every day |
| Mental health impact – anxiety | 29.8% of bullied teens vs. 14.5% of non-bullied |
| Mental health impact – depression | 28.5% of bullied teens vs. 12.1% of non-bullied |
The most recent comprehensive data from the National Health Interview Survey reveals that 34.0% of teenagers ages 12-17 were bullied in the past 12 months during July 2021 to December 2023. This striking statistic demonstrates that bullying affects more than one-third of American teenagers, making it a critical public health concern that demands immediate attention from communities nationwide.
The frequency breakdown shows that 21.5% were bullied 1-2 times in the past 12 months, 6.5% were bullied 1-2 times per month, 4.4% were bullied 1-2 times per week, and 1.7% of teenagers were bullied almost every day. These numbers paint a sobering picture of persistent harassment that ranges from occasional incidents to daily torment experienced by vulnerable youth. The data reveals that while most bullying occurs sporadically, a concerning percentage of teenagers face regular, systematic victimization that can have profound psychological consequences.
School-Based Bullying Incidents in the US 2025
| School Level | Weekly Bullying Occurrence | Weekly Cyberbullying Occurrence |
|---|---|---|
| Middle schools | 28% | 37% |
| High schools | 15% | 25% |
| Elementary schools | 10% | 6% |
A national survey found that 28% of middle schools, 15% of high schools, and 10% of elementary schools reported the occurrence of bullying at school at least once a week. The data clearly indicates that middle schools experience the highest rates of traditional bullying, reflecting the particularly challenging social dynamics that emerge during early adolescence when students navigate complex peer relationships and identity formation.
Cyberbullying presents an even more concerning pattern, with 37% of middle schools reporting the occurrence of cyberbullying at least once a week, followed by 25% of high schools and 6% of elementary schools. This trend highlights how digital platforms have become primary venues for harassment, extending bullying beyond school hours and physical boundaries. The higher cyberbullying rates in middle schools suggest that this age group faces particular vulnerabilities in online environments where adult supervision may be limited.
Gender and Age Demographics in Bullying Statistics US 2025
| Demographic | Bullying Rate |
|---|---|
| Girls (ages 12-17) | 38.3% |
| Boys (ages 12-17) | 29.9% |
| Younger teenagers (12-14) | 38.4% |
| Older teenagers (15-17) | 29.7% |
The percentage of teenagers who were bullied was higher among girls (38.3%) compared with boys (29.9%). This gender disparity reflects important differences in bullying experiences, with research suggesting that girls more frequently encounter relational aggression, social exclusion, and cyberbullying compared to the physical intimidation more commonly associated with male victims.
Age analysis reveals that younger teenagers ages 12-14 (38.4%) experience significantly higher bullying rates than teenagers ages 15-17 (29.7%). This pattern aligns with developmental psychology research indicating that early adolescence represents a particularly vulnerable period when youth struggle with identity formation, peer acceptance, and social hierarchies. The decreased rates among older teenagers may reflect improved coping mechanisms, stronger peer support networks, and reduced time spent in traditional school environments.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Bullying US 2025
| Race/Ethnicity | Bullying Rate |
|---|---|
| White non-Hispanic teenagers | 39.6% |
| Hispanic teenagers | 26.7% |
| Black non-Hispanic teenagers | 23.8% |
| Asian non-Hispanic teenagers | 16.1% |
White non-Hispanic teenagers ages 12-17 were more likely to be bullied in the past 12 months (39.6%) compared with Asian non-Hispanic (16.1%), Black non-Hispanic (23.8%), and Hispanic (26.7%) teenagers. These significant racial disparities require careful interpretation, as they may reflect differences in reporting patterns, cultural attitudes toward bullying disclosure, or varying social dynamics within different community contexts.
Asian teenagers were less likely to be bullied than Hispanic teenagers, with Asian students showing the lowest victimization rates across all racial groups. However, these statistics must be understood within broader cultural contexts where underreporting may occur due to stigma, language barriers, or different conceptual frameworks for understanding interpersonal conflict. The data underscores the importance of culturally responsive prevention programs that address the unique needs of diverse student populations.
Vulnerable Populations and Bullying Rates in the US 2025
| Population | Bullying Rate |
|---|---|
| Sexual/gender minority teenagers | 47.1% |
| Non-sexual/gender minority teenagers | 30.0% |
| Teenagers with developmental disabilities | 44.4% |
| Teenagers without developmental disabilities | 31.3% |
Sexual or gender minority teenagers were more likely to be bullied (47.1%) than teenagers who are not a sexual or gender minority (30.0%). This alarming disparity highlights the intersection of bullying with discrimination and bias-based harassment. LGBTQ+ youth face unique vulnerabilities related to their sexual orientation and gender identity, often experiencing both direct victimization and hostile school climates that compound their risk factors.
Teenagers with a developmental disability (44.4%) were more likely to be bullied than teenagers without a developmental disability (31.3%). Students with disabilities represent one of the most vulnerable populations in educational settings, facing elevated risks due to differences in communication styles, social skills, or physical abilities. This data emphasizes the critical need for inclusive school environments and targeted support services that protect students with disabilities from peer harassment.
Mental Health Consequences of Bullying in the US 2025
| Mental Health Impact | Bullied Teenagers | Non-Bullied Teenagers |
|---|---|---|
| Anxiety symptoms | 29.8% | 14.5% |
| Depression symptoms | 28.5% | 12.1% |
The percentage of teenagers with anxiety symptoms in the past 2 weeks was significantly higher among teenagers who were bullied in the past 12 months (29.8%) than those who were not (14.5%). This represents a doubling of anxiety rates among bullied youth, demonstrating the profound psychological toll that harassment takes on developing minds. The connection between bullying and anxiety disorders creates lasting impacts that can persist well beyond the school years.
The percentage of teenagers with depression symptoms was significantly higher among teenagers who were bullied (28.5%) than those who were not (12.1%). Similarly, depression rates more than double among bullied teenagers, indicating a strong correlation between peer victimization and serious mental health challenges. These statistics underscore the urgent need for integrated approaches that address both bullying prevention and mental health support services in schools and communities across America.
Electronic Bullying and Cyberbullying Trends in the US 2025
| Cyberbullying Statistics | Percentage |
|---|---|
| High school students bullied electronically | More than 16% |
| Students experiencing both traditional and electronic bullying | 22% of bullied students |
| Female students electronic bullying rates | Higher than male students |
More than one in six high school students reported being bullied electronically in the past year including through texting and social media. Electronic bullying has emerged as a particularly insidious form of harassment that follows students beyond school boundaries, creating 24/7 environments of potential victimization through smartphones, social media platforms, and digital communication tools.
Female students were more likely than male students to experience bullying, both on school property and electronically. The intersection of gender and cyberbullying reveals important patterns in how harassment manifests in digital spaces, with girls facing unique vulnerabilities related to social media harassment, image-based abuse, and relational aggression that extends into online environments where traditional adult supervision may be absent or ineffective.
Regional and Geographic Patterns in US Bullying 2025
| Geographic Factor | Impact on Bullying |
|---|---|
| School district size | Varies by community resources and supervision capacity |
| Urban vs. rural dynamics | Different bullying manifestations and intervention challenges |
| State-level prevention policies | Significant variation in legal frameworks and support systems |
The geographic distribution of bullying incidents across the United States reflects complex interactions between community demographics, resource availability, and local policy frameworks. Rural communities often face unique challenges related to limited mental health resources and smaller peer groups where social conflicts can have lasting impacts. Urban environments may experience higher rates of certain types of harassment but typically have greater access to diverse support services and intervention programs.
State-level variations in anti-bullying legislation and enforcement create patchwork systems of protection for American youth. Some states have implemented comprehensive prevention programs with mandatory reporting requirements and evidence-based intervention strategies, while others maintain minimal legal frameworks that provide limited protection for vulnerable students. This inconsistency underscores the need for federal leadership in establishing uniform standards for bullying prevention and response across all educational institutions.
Prevention and Intervention Outcomes in the US 2025
| Prevention Strategy | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| School-based social-emotional learning programs | Reduces bullying incidents by strengthening interpersonal skills |
| Bystander intervention training | Empowers students to become upstanders rather than passive observers |
| Comprehensive anti-bullying policies | Creates consistent consequences and reporting mechanisms |
| Mental health integration | Addresses both prevention and treatment of bullying-related trauma |
School-based programs that strengthen youths’ interpersonal and emotional skills, including empathy, conflict management, and teamwork, can reduce bullying. Evidence-based prevention approaches focus on building positive school climates where all students feel valued and supported. These comprehensive programs address root causes rather than merely responding to incidents after they occur.
The transformation of bystanders into upstanders represents a crucial component of effective bullying prevention. When students are equipped with tools and confidence to safely intervene in bullying situations, peer culture shifts toward mutual support rather than passive acceptance of harassment. Training programs that teach safe intervention strategies have demonstrated significant success in reducing the frequency and severity of bullying incidents across diverse school environments.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
