Bullying

Bullying can be defined as consistent, purposeful negative behavior that is directed toward another individual or the persistent abuse of power, which is perpetrated by children and adolescents against their more vulnerable peers. It can take many forms including physical, verbal, and social aggression and is a prevalent part of school life that can have serious, detrimental effects on those who are involved. It can also occur among adults in workplace settings. Although girls and boys are equally likely to be involved in bullying, girls are more likely than boys to use social aggression. Bullies themselves are often quick tempered and may target their victims simply for fun or because they often have many witnesses, including teachers, and can gain a great deal of status from engaging in this type of behavior. This implicit sanctioning of bullying helps to create an unsafe environment. Intervention and prevention programs that are targeted at the whole school are considered to be the most effective in reducing levels of bullying.

Bullying includes physical aggression (e.g., hitting, kicking, and aggressive gestures) and verbal aggression (e.g., threats, insults, and mocking). Other forms of social manipulation that are directed at undermining the individual's social standing (e.g., spreading distasteful rumors) can also constitute a form of bullying.

Bullying is distinguished from more general aggression by the nature of the relationship between the bully (also referred to as the perpetrator) and the target (also referred to as the victim). In this relationship, the bully is usually seen as a more powerful individual or as part of a more powerful group. The victim, in contrast, is usually seen as weaker or different and hence vulnerable. Power and vulnerability in this context does not necessarily refer to physical strength but can refer to a number of physical and personal attributes.

Bullying has most often been studied and considered within the school context, although recently there has been interest in workplace bullying. Thus, the issue of bullying is relevant to educational psychologists working in school and vocational settings. In the school context, the educational psychologist has the responsibility of ensuring that children are safe at school and that bullying behavior is detected, reduced, and prevented. Ensuring the safety of children and young adults is important not only from a legal standpoint but also from a humanist standpoint. According to Abraham Maslow, two of our basic human needs are safety and a sense of belonging or connection. If an individual is threatened by a bully, then his or her sense of safety can be undermined. Furthermore, victims of bullying are unlikely to feel connected to their school, classroom, or peers. Without this sense of belonging or connection, victims of bullying will have difficulty focusing their attention on learning.

The educational psychologist can work with colleagues to ensure all personnel and students are aware that bullying is unacceptable and are able to identify and report instances of bullying. Part of the role of the educational psychologist is to ensure a school climate in which bullying is not acceptable. When bullying has been detected or reported, the educational psychologist can design interventions to stop bullying by intervening directly on the behavior of both the bully and victim. Strategies to prevent bullying can also be designed and implemented at the whole school level.

...