Causes of bullying among young people and protective mechanisms and preventative factors that promote mental health and well-being: young people’s perspectives

Purpose: Several factors influence young people’s mental health, and exposure to bullying is a risk factor. Bullying and cyberbullying are strongly associated with loneliness, but little research has been conducted on this topic. This study aimed to explore the causes of bullying among young people and the protective mechanisms and preventive work that can promote well-being, as seen from young people’s perspectives. Methods: A qualitative exploratory design and content analysis were conducted. The interviews were conducted with 35 young people (aged 17–28 years). Results: Three main categories were identified: (1) causes of bullying, intervention, and mitigation; (2) protection against the harmful effects of bullying and loneliness; and (3) prevention and promotion of well-being as solutions. Nine subcategories were identified in this study. Discussion: Further research could explore interventions to prevent bullying in school settings, focusing on how bullying prevention programmes are implemented and how school staff and guardians perceive and work with bullying issues.