Bullying, pain and analgesic use in school-age children

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine whether the self-reported use of analgesics is associated with being a victim of bullying. Methods: This cross-sectional, school-based survey included all students in grades 6 (11 years old), 8 (13 years old) and 10 (15 years old) in Iceland (response rate: 84%; n = 11 018). The students filled out an anonymous standardised questionnaire: the Icelandic Contribution to the International Health Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study. Results: Being bullied was associated with increased use of analgesics even after controlling for self-reported pain. Conclusion: Bullying occurs in all schools, and its effects on health are pervasive. Interventions aimed at reducing bullying and promoting health in schools are important and may reduce the use of analgesics in adolescents.