Quick summary: A study of 35 young people aged 17–28 found that being perceived as different from peers is the most common trigger for school bullying, with appearance, personality, family background, and religion all cited as factors. Most participants who had been bullied felt that adult responses were inadequate, and roughly half of bystanders said fear of becoming a target themselves stopped them from intervening. The findings point towards a need for schools to move beyond disciplinary measures and invest instead in empathy, early mental health conversations, and the kinds of supportive relationships that buffer young people against lasting harm.

Bullying remains one of the most significant threats to the mental health of children and young people, and new research suggests that those who stand out from their peers are at greatest risk. A study involving 35 young people aged 17–28 found that being seen as different, whether in appearance, personality, or background, was the most commonly cited reason for bullying in school settings.

The research, published in the International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being, used qualitative interviews to explore how young people themselves understand the causes of bullying and what they believe can be done to prevent it. Jessica Hemberg, PhD, a senior lecturer at Åbo Akademi University who led the study, noted that “anything that marked someone as not fitting into the dominant group could increase their vulnerability.”

Participants identified a wide range of triggers, from physical appearance and clothing style to language, family background, and religion. Body image emerged as a particularly prominent theme, with several participants recalling being bullied because of their weight, acne, or teeth.

Beyond appearance, participants pointed to the internal lives of bullies themselves as a factor. Personal insecurities, difficult home environments, and jealousy were all cited as possible explanations for bullying behaviour. Hemberg described this as reflecting “a broader understanding of bullying as a complex social and emotional dynamic, rather than simply an act of individual wrongdoing.”

The study also found a strong connection between bullying and loneliness. But an important nuance emerged: young people who had supportive relationships elsewhere did not always feel lonely, even when they were being bullied. As Hemberg put it, “the impact of bullying is shaped not only by the experience itself, but also by whether a young person has a safe emotional anchor in their life.”

When it came to school responses, the findings were sobering. Most participants who had experienced bullying felt that adult intervention was insufficient or unhelpful, and views on structured anti-bullying programmes were divided. A recurring concern was that teachers were either unaware of what was happening or failed to take it seriously.

Bystanders faced their own difficulties. Roughly half of the participants said they found it hard to intervene when they witnessed bullying, with fear of becoming a target themselves cited most often. Hemberg noted that participants described “a significant gap between awareness and action,” with even those who wanted to help often remaining silent.

Close, trusting relationships with family or friends were the most consistent source of protection. Hemberg emphasised the particular importance of parental support, observing that “when young people felt safe talking to their parents, they were more likely to seek help and less likely to suffer in silence.”

On prevention, participants called for inclusive school environments, open conversations about mental health, and better access to counselling. Notably, punishment for bullies was rarely emphasised. Hemberg said the findings suggest “a shift away from purely disciplinary approaches toward building empathy, addressing underlying causes, and strengthening social environments.”

Participants also stressed the importance of discussing mental health from an early age, suggesting that young people who are comfortable talking about their feelings may be better placed to seek help for themselves or others.