Bullying and Adolescence

 

Bullying is a power and control imbalance that has plagued school children for generations. Bullying can be divided into two categories, direct (physical and verbal) and indirect (social exclusion and rumors). Studies show boys to be more involved in direct bullying and girls in indirect. Interpersonal Violence (IPV) exposure in the home is correlated with behavior problems and a higher propensity for aggression as seen in direct bullying but not with indirect bullying.

Most recent studies divide students into the following groups: bullies (perpetrators), victim-bully (victim of bullying as well as perpetrator), victim (victimization only). Adolescents with high parental support are less involved in all forms, making parental support a protective factor. Having more friends is associated with more bullying (bullies) and less victimization in both types of bullying supporting the “friendship protection hypothesis”.

Interesting findings in bullying research show that bullies as well as their victims (in the victim-bully group) are more likely to engage in violent behavior than children never involved in bullying. The victim-bully group stands out as the most vulnerable group with poorer psychosocial function than the other groups. Bullies are not found to be depressed loners but students with a network of friends for support.

Bullying Prevention Education should focus on the basic cause of bullying which is a power and control imbalance. Children who are victims should be empowered and helped to build a peer support network. The victim-bully group  should be assessed  with special attention to the “fringe group students” to make sure they are protected from bullying as well as prevented from perpetrating violence against others. Physically violent bullies should be assessed for IPV at home and in their dating relationships. Conflict resolution skills and anger management training should become part of any discipline plan directed at those who are physically violent, especially if they are experiencing IPV in the home environment. 

Article by Pam Dennington, Education Coordinator

 



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