# Addressing Weight‐Related Bullying in Schools: Youth Perspectives on School Policies and Interventions

## TL;DR

Youth report witnessing weight-related bullying and support including it in school policies to improve mental health.

## Contribution

Youth perspectives on weight-related bullying and policy interventions were gathered and analyzed for the first time.

## Key findings

- 71.6% of youth reported witnessing weight-related bullying.
- Weight-related bullying is more often attributed to the target's characteristics than general bullying.
- 68.5% of youth supported including weight-related bullying in school anti-bullying policies.

## Abstract

Weight‐related bullying is linked to negative mental health outcomes. However, anti‐bullying policies targeting weight‐based bullying remain limited. This study aimed to gather youth perspectives on weight‐related bullying and potential school interventions.

Data were collected in November 2022 from the MyVoice National Poll of Youth, a diverse cohort of U.S. youth (ages 14–24). Respondents (n = 621) answered five open‐ended questions about weight‐related bullying, which were analyzed using inductive content analysis.

A majority of respondents (71.6%) reported witnessing weight‐related bullying. While most respondents attributed bullying to characteristics of the individual doing the bullying (e.g., insecurity), characteristics of the target of the bullying were more commonly named for weight‐related bullying compared to bullying in general (46.5% vs. 29.2%; p = 0.0013). Respondents suggested both educational/programming approaches and policy solutions. Most respondents (68.5%) supported the inclusion of weight‐related bullying in school anti‐bullying policies.

Research on anti‐bullying laws shows potential benefits for youth (e.g., reduced bullying, improved mental health). As policies addressing weight‐related bullying expand, research is needed to assess their effectiveness and minimize unintended consequences.

Youth support the inclusion of weight‐related bullying in school policies, which could help create more supportive environments and improve mental health outcomes.