Kocak, OrhanSemerci, MelikeAslan, Yavuz2025-05-152025-05-1520251046-13101936-4733https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-025-07779-yhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12514/8888Aslan, Yavuz/0000-0002-6692-5247Childhood and early adolescence play a crucial role in shaping individuals' attitudes and behaviours through the cultivation of self-esteem. While this dynamic may differ among various age groups, self-esteem is anticipated to serve as a protective factor against peer bullying and aggression, particularly within the school setting. The present study aimed to explore the associations between self-esteem, experiences of victimisation, and engagement in physical aggression. This research, structured as a cross-sectional quantitative inquiry, involved administering an online survey to 445 primary and middle school students in T & uuml;rkiye. Descriptive and correlation analysis was performed with the SPSS 22.0 program, and mediation analysis was performed with the IBM AMOS 24 program. Being a victim was found to have a mediating effect on the relationship between self-esteem and physical aggression. Self-esteem reduces physical aggression by reducing being a victim. In this context, educators and policymakers need to focus their efforts to increase self-esteem while developing programs to prevent peer bullying and aggression in schools.en10.1007/s12144-025-07779-yinfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessPeer VictimisationSelf-EsteemAggressionPrimary And Middle School StudentsArticleQ2Q2WOS:0014616950000012-s2.0-105002170628