Bully/victim problems in school: Knowledge base and an effective intervention program

Abstract

Bully/victim problems among school children are a matter of considerable concern in Scandanavia and, more recently, in a number of other countries as well. Estimates based on the author's large-scale surveys indicate that some 9% of the students in Grades 1 through 9 are fairly regular victims of bullying and that 6–7% engage in bullying others with some regularity. It is argued that it is a fundamental democratic right for a child to be spared the oppression and repeated humiliation implied in bullying. The author has developed a school based intervention program against bullying, the effects of which were evaulated in 42 schools over a period oftwo years. Analyses indicate that the frequency of bully/victim problems decreased by 50–70%. In addition, the prevalence of antisocial behaviours in general, such as vandalism, theft, drunkenness and truancy showed a substantial drop. The main content ofthe core program, as well as its key principles, are presented. The over-riding goal of the program can be described as a "restructuring of the social environment". The program emphasizes behaviours and attitudes characterized by a combination of positive involvement from teachers and parents, firm limits to unacceptable behaviour ("we don't accept bullying in our class/school"), and consistent use of non-hostile, non-corporal sanctions on rule violations. Explanations of the positive results include changes in the opportunity and reward structures for bullying behaviour.