NCJ Number
194466
Date Published
April 2002
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the problem of bullying and some of its effects.
Abstract
The paper discusses steps schools are taking to prevent bullying, ways peers can discourage bullying, and strategies for dealing with the problem. Bullying occurs when a person willfully and repeatedly exercises power over another with hostile or malicious intent. Students targeted by bullies often have difficulty concentrating on their schoolwork, and their academic performance tends to be "marginal to poor." In addition, bullying is "a precursor to physical violence by its perpetrators and can trigger violence in its victims." Some schools are trying anti-bullying programs that include mapping the school's "hot spots" for bullying incidents; better supervision; delivering negative consequences to those who bully; and teaching positive behavior through modeling, coaching, prompting, and praise. Schools are encouraged to implement programs that teach students social skills, conflict resolution, anger management, and character education. Peers can help by not providing an audience for bullying incidents. In the words of one researcher: "The whole drama is supported by the bystander. The theater can't take place if there's no audience." Resources