This study examines the prevalence of bullying and victimization among adolescents in 40 countries, focusing on boys and girls across different age groups. The research uses data from the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) survey conducted in 2005/06, involving over 200,000 students aged 11, 13, and 15. Key findings include: - **Prevalence Rates**: Boys reported higher rates of bullying (8.6% to 45.2%) compared to girls (4.8% to 35.8%). Baltic countries had the highest rates, while northern European countries had the lowest. - **Age Trends**: In 30 out of 40 countries, the prevalence of bullying decreased with age for boys, and in 25 out of 39 countries, it decreased for girls. However, the trend was less consistent for girls. - **Gender Differences**: Boys were more likely to be involved in both bullying and being bullied, with higher rates of direct physical, direct verbal, and indirect bullying across all age groups and countries. - **Specific Types of Bullying**: In six countries, the study also analyzed specific types of bullying, such as physical, verbal, and indirect bullying. Boys reported higher rates of all types of bullying, and there were limited age-related differences in the form of bullying. The study highlights the need for cross-national collaboration in research and prevention strategies to address the global issue of bullying and its associated victimization. The findings suggest that cultural and social contexts play a significant role in the prevalence and nature of bullying, and that interventions should be tailored to different countries and age groups.This study examines the prevalence of bullying and victimization among adolescents in 40 countries, focusing on boys and girls across different age groups. The research uses data from the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) survey conducted in 2005/06, involving over 200,000 students aged 11, 13, and 15. Key findings include: - **Prevalence Rates**: Boys reported higher rates of bullying (8.6% to 45.2%) compared to girls (4.8% to 35.8%). Baltic countries had the highest rates, while northern European countries had the lowest. - **Age Trends**: In 30 out of 40 countries, the prevalence of bullying decreased with age for boys, and in 25 out of 39 countries, it decreased for girls. However, the trend was less consistent for girls. - **Gender Differences**: Boys were more likely to be involved in both bullying and being bullied, with higher rates of direct physical, direct verbal, and indirect bullying across all age groups and countries. - **Specific Types of Bullying**: In six countries, the study also analyzed specific types of bullying, such as physical, verbal, and indirect bullying. Boys reported higher rates of all types of bullying, and there were limited age-related differences in the form of bullying. The study highlights the need for cross-national collaboration in research and prevention strategies to address the global issue of bullying and its associated victimization. The findings suggest that cultural and social contexts play a significant role in the prevalence and nature of bullying, and that interventions should be tailored to different countries and age groups.