Bullying at School: What We Know and What We Can Do (Understanding Children's Worlds)

"Bullying in Schools" discusses bully/victim problems in school and suggests effective ways of counteracting and preventing such problems. On the basis of the author's large-scale studies in other countries, it is known that bullying is a serious problem in all societies that have been studied so far, and that more than 15% of the school population in primary and secondary/junior high schools are involved, either as bullies or victims. This book presents the facts about bullying - its causes and consequences. It is also significant in its examination of methods of effectively counteracting bullying at school. For the first time, there is available an intervention programme that has been scientifically evaluated in extensive research. The results are remarkable: a reduction of bully/victim problems by 50% or more; a considerable drop in antisocial behaviour such as vandalism, theft, drunkenness and truancy; and clear improvements with regard to the "social climate" of the classroom and student satisfaction with school life. The book gives lots of practical advice to school principals, teachers and parents on implementing a "whole school approach to bullying", and also contains a guide to help teachers and parents recognize if a child is being victimized or bullies others.