ISHE in the News: New Study Links Classroom Chaos to Increased Bullying Risk

The Institute for Social and Health Equity (ISHE) is proud to highlight a recent feature in The Conversation showcasing new research on the relationship between classroom environments and bullying among elementary school children.

The article, titled “Bullying is common in elementary school – and it’s more likely to happen in classrooms that are chaotic,” presents findings from a collaborative study led by Qingqing Yang, Research Scientist at the University at Albany, SUNY, alongside Paul Morgan, ISHE Director and public health professor at UAlbany.

The study finds that children in more disruptive and chaotic classroom settings are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing bullying. These findings underscore the importance of structured, well-managed learning environments not only for academic success but also for fostering student safety and well-being.

This work reflects ISHE’s ongoing commitment to advancing interdisciplinary research that addresses critical issues at the intersection of education, health and social equity. By examining how environmental and social factors contribute to childhood experiences like bullying, ISHE researchers aim to inform policies and interventions that create more supportive and equitable school settings.

We congratulate Dr. Yang, Dr. Morgan, and their collaborators on this important contribution to the field and their continued efforts to translate research into meaningful impact.

Read the full article on The Conversation.