Bullying and Emotional Distress in Students: A Systematic Review of Prevention Strategies

Ocupa-Cabrera H.G.; Cajavilca-Lagos W.O. · Journal of Educational and Social Research (2026) · DOI: 10.36941/jesr-2026-0308

Resumen

Bullying is a pervasive social phenomenon that substantially undermines the psychological and emotional well-being of millions of students worldwide, disrupting interpersonal relationships within educational settings. The significance of this study lies in its potential to advance understanding of the underlying causes and consequences of bullying, thereby informing the design of effective preventive strategies aimed at mitigating emotional harm and fostering safer, healthier school environments. To analyze bullying prevention strategies aimed at reducing emotional distress among students. Guided by the research question, “What are the most effective bullying prevention strategies for reducing emotional distress in students?”, a systematic review was conducted of 22 open-access manuscripts indexed in the Scopus database and published in English and Spanish between 2020 and 2024. The findings indicate that low self-esteem, exposure to domestic violence, and deficits in social skills are key factors associated with increased rates of both aggression and victimization. Moreover, the review confirms that school bullying has a deleterious impact on students’ mental health, contributing to elevated levels of anxiety and depression. The results underscore the necessity of implementing comprehensive prevention and intervention programs that strengthen school coexistence and ensure safe educational environments. Such initiatives constitute essential resources for educators, researchers, and mental health professionals committed to promoting emotional well-being and reducing school violence.

Instituciones: Universidad César Vallejo