Hope Shields Teens from Bullying in and out of School

As the new school year begins, a timely national study offers a powerful insight: hope can protect adolescents from bullying and cyberbullying.

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University and the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire surveyed more than 5,500 U.S. youth and found that higher levels of hope are linked to significantly lower rates of aggression toward peers, both in person and online. The findings come as schools nationwide face a youth mental health crisis, and suggest that fostering hope may be a simple yet transformative way to reduce harmful behavior and promote emotional well-being.

What the Study Found

Students aged 12 to 17 were surveyed about their experiences with bullying and cyberbullying, as well as their levels of hope, measured using the Children’s Hope Scale. This scale assesses two elements:

• Agency: A belief in one’s ability to achieve goals
• Pathways: The ability to think of ways to reach those goals

The results were striking. Compared to their peers with higher hope scores, adolescents with lower hope were:

• 56% more likely to cyberbully others over their lifetime
• 57% more likely to cyberbully others in the past 30 days

On the flip side, those with higher hope were 36% less likely to engage in cyberbullying during either time frame. The same trend held true for in-person bullying. Hope, it turns out, isn’t just good for morale. It has a measurable impact on behavior.

A Different Kind of Protection

“Hope acts as a powerful protective factor against both school bullying and cyberbullying among youth,” said Sameer Hinduja, Ph.D., lead author and professor at Florida Atlantic University. “When young people believe in their ability to set meaningful goals and stay motivated to reach them, they are far less likely to lash out or harm others.”

Rather than reacting impulsively to challenges or frustrations, hopeful youth appear more capable of emotional regulation and more invested in long-term outcomes. This could be key to understanding and preventing bullying behaviors.

What Drives Aggression in Teens?

The study adds to a growing body of research that frames bullying not just as a disciplinary issue but as a developmental one. When teens lack hope, they may also lack the internal motivation to pursue positive futures. That, in turn, weakens the self-control needed to avoid hurting others.

“This lack of hope undermines their motivation to pursue positive outcomes and weakens the internal controls that usually guide behavior,” Hinduja noted. “Without these guiding forces, their willingness to harm others increases.”

Building Hope at School

Despite these findings, many U.S. schools don’t explicitly teach hope or other emotional strengths. But the researchers argue that should change. Hope can be taught — and even brief, targeted efforts may help.

“Teaching hope isn’t just a feel-good initiative; it’s a practical, evidence-based way to help young people thrive,” said Hinduja. He and co-author Justin Patchin recommend techniques like:

• One-on-one counseling to identify goals and strategies
• Scenario-based group activities that foster problem-solving
• Hope therapy sessions that encourage motivation and resilience

Even assigning purposeful roles to students who have previously bullied others can help reframe their behavior in prosocial ways.

Why This Matters Now

With youth mental health concerns at an all-time high, especially after years of pandemic-related disruption, schools are seeking more effective ways to support students. Hope offers a unique advantage. It not only boosts well-being but also reduces the likelihood of aggressive behavior.

“Hope doesn’t just make kids feel better – it can actually reduce the likelihood of them victimizing others,” Hinduja said. “We need to prioritize hope-building whether through individual mentoring, group programs or school-wide initiatives.”

Looking Ahead

This study adds fresh urgency to calls for integrating social and emotional learning into everyday school life. While hope may seem like an abstract concept, its effects are concrete. It shapes how youth think, feel, and act. And for some students, cultivating hope could be the key to a safer, more supportive school year.

Journal: Frontiers in Sociology
DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2025.1576372