NCJ Number
162574
Journal
Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Problems Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1996) Pages: 15-22
Date Published
1996
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Although bullying among school children is a very old phenomenon in Scandinavian countries and elsewhere, bullying has only been the focus of systematic research since the 1970's.
Abstract
Surveys in Norway and Sweden indicate about 15 percent of students in elementary, secondary, and junior high schools have been involved in bully/victim problems, either as bullies or as victims. Many more boys than girls bully others, and a relatively large percentage of girls indicate they are bullied primarily by boys. Evidence shows behavior patterns involved in bullying are fairly stable over time, meaning that bullying is likely to continue for a substantial period of time unless adults make specific efforts to change the situation. Personality characteristics and typical reaction patterns, in combination with physical strength or weakness in the case of boys, are very important in the development of bully/victim problems. At the same time, factors such as teacher attitudes, behaviors, and routines play a major role in determining the extent of bullying. Characteristics of typical bullies and victims are described, as well as the development of aggressive reaction patterns. A school-based intervention program designed to stop bullying in Norwegian schools is detailed, a program that markedly reduced bully/victim problems and antisocial behavior and improved school order and discipline. 14 references 4 figures, and 1 illustration