[01] Lorraine Killion, Health and Kinesiology Department, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, United States. [02] Dean Culpepper, Health and Human Performance, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Commerce, United States. [03] Elizabeth Wachira, Health and Human Performance, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Commerce, United States.

When students do not feel safe in school, they tend to be less engaged. Bullying can occur in many places where teachers do not see it and can have a negative effect on self-image and performance. Bullying can make school a brutal experience that could turn students off to what is supposed to be an opportunity for youth development, learning, and achievement. When bullying is not handled accordingly, it can depict a message that bullying is acceptable and appropriate in certain settings such as a Physical Education class. The purpose of this study was to determine if students perceived bullying in a Physical Education setting and if they felt bullying had an adverse effect on their athletic performance. The School Climate Bullying Survey was administered to students across all grades in the high school: 9^th through 12^th. A total (N=138) participants (74 females; 64 males). The study consisted of 72% Latino, 20% White, 2% Black, and 6% Other. A General Linear Model yielded a significant difference [F(131,6)=1.58, p<.001, R²=.056] for being bullied in P.E by gender and ethnicity. Significance was also reported for the variables bullied and affects performance, [F(131,3)=5.09, p<.05, R²=.042]. Students reported being bullied in P.E. 34.8% of the time compared to 10.6% in a regular school setting. Results indicate bullying can affect student performance; therefore, P.E. teachers should be aware of bullying and devise strategies for dealing with it when it occurs. The effects of bullying can be exponential; therefore, schools should take an active role in examining the school climate. Physical educators also play a crucial role in creating a climate that encourages all students to participate regardless of their level of performance.

Bullying, Victim, Perpetrator, Physical Education

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