Bullying is common in school age youth and more frequent for youth living with anxiety. Parents are in a unique position to contextualize and increase understanding of youth experiences.
Objective
This study examined parents' perspectives on bullying experiences of youth with anxiety to deepen our understanding of the challenges faced by youth and families and to inform interventions and supports.
Method
In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 54 parents/caregivers of youth aged 10-19 with an anxiety diagnosis. Participants were interviewed twice using semi-structured and open-ended questionnaires. Analysis was conducted using a hermeneutic phenomenology approach which privileges thick description and interpretation.
Results
Four key themes emerged from the parent interviews: (1) The experiences of bullying and anxiety are intertwined and pervasive; (2) Bullying in youth with anxiety is difficult to recognize; (3) For youth with anxiety, bullying can make school very unsafe; and (4) Parents face multiple challenges approaching schools to address bullying.
Conclusions
This study found that bullying involvement is common and more complex for youth living with anxiety; parents' lack of awareness impedes their ability to help youth; bullying at school can lead to worsening anxiety and school avoidance; and inadequate responses by schools further compounds the suffering faced by youth living with anxiety and their families.