Bullying In Schools

Bullying in schools, a social issue which has been around for as long as anyone can remember. While in the past this issue has been recognised it has not been treated as seriously as it has been over the past three decades. The aim of this paper is to define bullying trace its historical roots and identify its social context.
There are many complex definitions of bullying. A simple definition is the abuse of power by an individual or a group who are stronger towards someone who is weaker. What is this abuse of power? This abuse of the power can be described where someone has some form of power over another and uses that power to the detriment of the weaker individual. Ken Rigby (2007) states, “It occurs where there is an imbalance of power between people” (p. 15). This imbalance of power can be physical, verbal, mental or social. The difference of power can be obvious for example a bigger child bullying a smaller child or it can be less obvious, for example, a smaller child being part of a group bullying a bigger or older child.
While today most literature presents the problem of bullying being as old as the concept of society itself according to Carpenter and Ferguson, (2009) prior to the 1970’s bullying in schools was not seen as a major social problem. Dr Dan Olweus, a psychology professor, initiated the world’s first research into bullying. The results of his research were first published in Sweden in 1973 and then in 1978 in the United States as a book titled Aggression in the Schools: Bullies and Whipping Boys. “The findings of Olweus’s study opened the eyes of researches and demonstrated that bully/victim problems were quite prevalent in school settings” (Carpenter & Ferguson, 2009, p.4). While bullying can be found in all areas of society bullying in schools belongs to the broad social area of education.
Examples of this is seen in how the education department themselves have responded to this issue. “An increasing number of schools in Australia are trying to assess the situation” (Ken Rigby, 2007, p. 25). According to Rigby (2007) many people within the education system are working to deal with this issue.
This highlights why bullying is such an important issue to study. It brings forth two basic questions. Firstly, how many children are bullied at school and secondly what are the consequences for them? Rigby et al (1997) reports that one in six children are bullied at school at least once a week (as cited in Campbell, 2005). Rigby (2007) states that the major consequences of bullying are: lower self esteem, few if any friends, absenteeism from school, poorer physical health, depression and suicide. These consequences affect children well into their adult life.
The research of the past twenty-five years confirms that bullying in schools is a critical social issue. As the research and reporting of this issue continues more members of society will develop a greater awareness this problem. As awareness grows people can learn to work together to end bullying and create a safer environment for children to grow up in.
References
Campbell, M. A. (2005). Cyber bullying: An old problem in a new guise? Australian
Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 15(1), 68-76.
Carpenter, D & Ferguson, C. J, Ph.D. (2009). The everything parents guide to dealing with bullies: From playground teasing to cyber bullying, all you need to ensure your childs safety and happiness. Avon, MA, U.S.A: Adams Media.
Fields, E. M. (2007). Bully blocking: Six secrets to help children deal with teasing And bullying. Sydney, Australia: Finch Publishing Pty Limited.
Hymel S & Swearer S. (2006-2012). Bullying: An age old problem that needs new solutions. Retrieved from http://www.education.com/reference/article/bullying-about-power-and-abuse- of-power/
Rigby, K. (2007). Bullying in schools and what to do about it. Camberwell, Australia: Acer Press.
Slee, P.T. (2003). School bullying in Australia: Developments in understanding and intervention initiatives. Retrieved from http://www.caper.com.au/pages/bullaust.htm

References: Campbell, M. A. (2005). Cyber bullying: An old problem in a new guise? Australian Journal of Guidance and Counselling, 15(1), 68-76. Carpenter, D & Ferguson, C. J, Ph.D. (2009). The everything parents guide to dealing with bullies: From playground teasing to cyber bullying, all you need to Fields, E. M. (2007). Bully blocking: Six secrets to help children deal with teasing And bullying Hymel S & Swearer S. (2006-2012). Bullying: An age old problem that needs new solutions Rigby, K. (2007). Bullying in schools and what to do about it. Camberwell, Australia: Acer Press. Slee, P.T. (2003). School bullying in Australia: Developments in understanding and intervention initiatives