History of Family Involvement with Child Protective Services as a Risk Factor for Bullying in Ontario Schools

BACKGROUND:   The relationship between history of family involvement with child protective services (CPS) and bullying was examined. METHOD:   Data were obtained from 2,516 pupils aged 12-19 in the 2007 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey. The association between self-reported history of family involvement with CPS and bullying was estimated using negative binomial hurdle regression models. RESULTS:   Females who reported family CPS involvement were more likely to have bullied and been bullied compared with females without CPS involvement. Among males, family CPS involvement was only significantly associated with bully victimisation. CONCLUSION:   A history of family CPS involvement was a risk factor for bullying victimisation and perpetration.