NCJ Number
198383
Journal
Youth Studies Australia Volume: 21 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2002 Pages: 11-15
Date Published
December 2002
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article discusses research undertaken to determine if socioeconomic status affects youth aggression in Australia.
Abstract
The study described here was undertaken by studying students, parents, and teachers from socioeconomically diverse backgrounds. Four hundred forty three students, their parents, and teachers were surveyed from 22 socioeconomically diverse schools in Brisbane, Australia. Multiple measures of aggression were used to determine that socioeconomic disadvantage was directly related to students' general aggressiveness, but not bullying. It was further found that socioeconomic disadvantage was adversely associated with students' academic performance, which in turn was linked to their general aggressiveness and school bullying, providing evidence of an indirect link between socioeconomic status and bullying. Also, it was found that socioeconomic disadvantage was adversely related to students' ability to make realistic assessments. In conclusion, it is noted that this research supports specific suggestions for further research and for future policy initiatives that may lead to a reduction in youth violence, such as focusing upon quality education programs for principals, teachers, students, and parents, and enhancement of young people's cognitive and socioemotional development. A list of references and also recommended sites for information on bullying are provided.