A comparative study of peer bullying among high school students according to high school types in terms of school belonging, empathy level and social media addiction variables: The case of Batman province

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between peer bullying, school belonging, social media addiction and empathy in adolescents. The study determines the effect of the relationship between these variables on peer bullying. In this study, the effect of both individual (empathy) and environmental (school belonging, social media addiction) factors on peer bullying was examined. The study was prepared according to the quantitative research design and the relational model. The data obtained from 525 students between the ages of 14-18 studying in various secondary schools in Batman were considered as sample data. Personal Information Form, Peer Bullying (Bully-Victim) Determination Scale Adolescent Form, Belonging Scale, Social Media Addiction Scale and KA-SI Child and Adolescent Empathic Tendency Scale were used to collect data within the scope of the study. The findings show that an increase in school belonging and empathy levels has a negative effect on peer bullying, while an increase in social media addiction has a positive and significant relationship on peer bullying. Individuals with high empathy levels have a decrease in peer bullying tendencies, and individuals with high school belonging have a decrease in peer bullying and bullying behaviors due to strong social ties. As a result of the findings obtained from the results of the study, both individual and environmental factors are important in preventing peer bullying. In order to increase school belonging, improving the school climate and preventing and reducing digital media literacy trainings for social media addiction, preventive intervention studies for peer bullying, and trainings for gaining empathic tendencies make significant contributions to the fight against bullying.