Abstract

Gender differences have been found in bullying behaviour worldwide; females are less likely to bully and more
likely to help bullied peers. These gender differences are prominent among Mexican students. The present
study aimed to explore Mexican students’ perceptions of their role as bullying bystanders and the influence
of gender and culture on these perceptions. Results showed that while participants disapprove of bullying,
they see helping bullied peers as an important social risk. However, females are more likely to take this risk,
feeling protected by the social group. On the other hand, males are expected to face aggression singlehandedly
as a character-building experience. Cultural attitudes to violence and gendered expectations need to be taken
into consideration to successfully address bullying.