Survey reveals nearly half of Swedish middle and high school students experience bullying

A recent survey of children aged 10 to 16 in Sweden reveals that nearly half of middle and high school students have experienced bullying or harassment in the past two months. The findings indicate that 46% of students have faced such issues at school or online, significantly impacting their academic performance.

Maja Frankel, General Secretary of Friends, a Swedish anti-bullying organization, emphasized the urgent need for a national action plan against bullying, stating, “This affects grades and educational outcomes. Schools require support and guidance in their efforts to combat bullying.” The report identifies psychological distress as a critical factor hindering children’s ability to succeed in school, with 12% of affected students failing to achieve passing grades in core subjects. Frankel described the situation as not just a “knowledge collapse” but also a “safety collapse,” calling for greater emphasis on children’s safety both in physical schools and online.

Minister of Education Lotta Edholm acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, expressing her agreement with the need for a national action plan. “It’s extremely serious that bullying and harassment are so prevalent,” she stated, emphasizing that teachers need more authority to address bullying effectively within the classroom.

The Friends report is based on a Novus survey conducted in spring 2024, involving 1,139 children aged 10 to 16. The findings provide valuable insights into the circumstances of students facing harassment and its detrimental effects on mental health, school attendance, and academic performance.