NCJ Number
125455
Editor(s)
E Munthe,
E Roland
Date Published
1989
Length
160 pages
Annotation
Bullying is viewed as a complex social labeling process, and understanding its causes and developing solutions requires more than just looking at bullies and victims.
Abstract
Some researchers estimate that 25 percent of teachers ignore the problem of bullying, even though most children look to teachers to take action. One researcher proposes the Kidscape model which teaches children the skills needed to be safe. Another researcher makes the important point that work with group violence requires special skills. Still other analysis points to the role of the social education curriculum and the key place of the form tutor. The tutor model has increasingly influenced many school systems, and its role in dealing with bullying may be crucial. An appeal is made for a systems-based approach which provides a framework for understanding bullying and integrating the varied approaches within one structure. Recent work points to a greater emphasis on empowering the victim and to the need for involvement by parents, the community, and the church. One theme is shared by all those working in the field of bullying; children, parents, and teachers are entitled to live without fear in the school environment. Because bullying is an international problem, its solution will require international cooperation. 137 references, 19 tables, 11 figures.