PAHO reports high bullying rates among Latin American adolescents

One in four adolescents aged 13 to 17 in Latin America and the Caribbean reports experiencing school bullying, according to data released by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The prevalence of this violence varies by subregion: approximately 23% of students in Central America, 25% in the Caribbean, and 30% in South America report being bullied.

In addition to physical bullying, cyberbullying is a growing concern, with reported rates between 7% and 27% in various American countries over a 12-month period. The organization notes that girls are systematically more likely to experience cyberbullying. Such violence is linked to severe long-term consequences, including depression, anxiety, traumatic stress, social isolation, sleep disorders, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.

PAHO has introduced a new guide to help governments, schools, health services, and families recognize warning signs—such as sudden behavioral changes, school refusal, or distress regarding digital notifications—and implement prevention strategies. The organization emphasizes that effective prevention requires comprehensive, long-term programs involving digital literacy and socio-emotional skills like empathy and conflict resolution.