Bullying in Schools: A Synthesis of Five Research Studies

Introduction

In the contemporary society, bullying has become more rampant especially in schools. Therefore, the sole purpose of this analysis is to research five research works on bullying and interpret their aim, explain their focus, method of data collection and the sample size. These will aid in giving an evidence on how bullying takes place, those whom it affects and the ways which can be used to prevent it from occurring.

Interpretation for Aim of the Case Studies

The Effectiveness of a Psycho-Educational Intervention for Classroom Teachers Aimed at Reducing Bullying Behavior in Middle School Students

Aim

The main aim of the study was to examine the effectiveness of the bully prevention programs. The sole reason behind the study was to help both the bullies and their victims to overcome such circumstances, to change the perception of teachers about bullying and equip them with the bullying intervention skills to enhance teachers' self-efficacy as well as boosting the classroom behavior.

The Sample Size

The sample used comprised of 30 middle school teachers who handles 6th, 7th and 8th grades at Clarke school in Athen, Georgia.

Focus

The study did focus on eradicating the bullying in schools by increasing the teachers knowledge and awareness about the methods and programs which can be used to reduce or eliminate bullying in the middle school students. These were mainly to improve performance and interactions among students.

Method of Collecting Data

In the study, the method used to collect data was not disclosed. However, from the experiments carried out, it can be evident that the use of questionnaires or surveys was taken into considerations. Besides, the interview method was also used to determine the teachers who have been exposed to the psycho-educational programs.

The Main Reason Why the Case Study Approach Was Used

This approach was utilized mainly to enhance an intensive study of a unit. It assisted in the exploration and investigation of the bullying practice in details hence giving the readers a wider scope of what bullying entails and practical way of mitigating the problem from all dimensions.

Findings

It was found that the bully prevention packages used to train the middle school teachers was effective in increasing their skills and knowledge in eliminating bullying. It will improve teachers self-efficacy, boost the bullying intervention skills, enhance personal efficacy and reduces the level of bullying in classroom as well as the entire school.

The Impact of School Bullying On Students' Academic Achievement from Teachers Point of View

Aim

In relation to this study, the main aim of the purpose was to stipulate the effect of general school bullying as well as its effect on the student's academic performance. These is to aid in devising the mechanisms in which the individuals, schools and parents can devise mechanisms to reduce the rate of bullying in school so as to improve performance in school either in the short or long run.

Sample Size

The sample of 220 teachers was collected from the 6th and 7th grade teachers of Amman West Area School. These were taken from 2 classes from different schools.

Focus

The study did put emphasis on defining and identifying the type of bullying and how they affect the student's performance and academic achievement in school. These will permit the concerned individuals to know the approaches which they can use to handle bullying delinquent and to reduce its impacts on the academic achievements.

Methods of Collecting Data

The data for the study was collected from secondary sources such as books, journals, periodicals, and internet. Besides, a self-administered questionnaire was used and distributed to the respondents to collect the primary data.

The Main Reason Why the Case Study Approach Was Used

This approach was used to create awareness about the bullying practice which was being undertaken in both private and public schools. Besides, it was to lay a foundation for further research as well as ensuring that the schools take responsibility in implementing programs which reduces or eliminating bullying.

Findings

From the study, it was found that bullying happens in both private and government schools. However, the degree of bullying in these schools differs. It was also found that bullying affects the academic achievements for both bullies and the victims.

Bullying in Elementary Schools: Its Causes and Effects on Students

Aim

The main aim of the research was to examine the causes and nature of bullying from the textual examination and carry out an evaluation of the students bullying perceptions. It also aims at finding the impacts of pupil on pupil bullying on student's learning.

Sample Size

In the study, the sample was taken from the students of elementary schools of district Mianwali. The total population comprised of 234 grade 8 boys and girls. However, in the study, a sample of 10 teachers and 40 students were picked out of the population.

Focus

The main focus of the research work was to evaluate and investigate the roots and significance of bullying which was rampant among the students in the elementary schools.

Methods of Collecting Data

During the data collection, the restricted questionnaire was distributed to the respondents through the help of 4 associates. Besides, personal visits were also done by the researcher. The research questionnaire was filled and returned for analysis.

The Main Reason Why the Case Study Approach Was Used

In the study, the sole reason why this method was used was to unveil the bullying proponents so as to enhance studies which shall unveil the strategies which aim at reducing the level of bullying in schools.

Findings

From the analysis, it was found that the main cause of bullying consist of power fullness and physical abuse. Besides, it was found that diverse sources of bullying which did exist in Mianwali Elementary School but the behavior was more rampant in boys' schools as compared to girl's school. It was thus proposed that there is need for the development of policies to find ways of enabling pupils to seek assistance in case they become victims of bullying.

Evaluation of An Ecological Program to Reduce Bullying in Schools

Aim

The main aim of the researcher is to diminish bullying incidences in schools by the use of systemic or whole school approach. These will provide an insight to which people can use to improve the operations and performance of the students in schools as the proposed anti-bullying programs are implemented.

Sample Size

The sample size totaled to 240 children who filled the questionnaire in the intervention schools while 251 children in the comparison school. In the intervention school, the total number comprised of 114 boys and 126 girls respectively. On the other hand, in the comparison school, the total number of boys totaled to 123 boys and 128 boys.

Focus

The main point of focus was to change the perception of teachers as far as bullying is concerned and ensure that teachers take responsibility to encourage positive behavior and intervene in a systematic fashion so as to reduce the impacts of bullying.

Methods of Collecting Data

The data was collected from the Comparison School and intervention schools through the use of questionnaire.

The Main Reason Why the Case Study Approach Was Used

In the study, the method was to provide an insight about bullying and the areas in which the programs should be implemented to ensure that there is a high level of interventions to reduce bullying in school. The areas comprise of the school level, the playground, and classroom or to children who are at risk of bullying.

Findings

It was found that when implementing the programs to reduce bullying, they need to be systematic. They should be implemented at school level, playground and to individuals. Besides, in order to help both bullies and victims, it is important to address the school climate and environment to ensure that the schools are inclusive and consistent in addressing bullying. For the individuals in whom victimization and bullying have persisted over time, there is need for the implementation of intensive interventions such as support from the local mental agencies.

Bullying in Schools: A Northern Ireland Study

Aim

The main aim of the study is to determine the level of bullying which exists in Northern Ireland. It is due to the fact that in the recent past, such information has not been disclosed in the region as compared to the exposure which has been done in England and the Republic of Ireland.

Sample Size

The total number of schools which took place in the study totals to 120 schools of which 60 each were from primary and post primary schools respectively. In all the institutes, a total of 1079 primary and 1353 of post primary students took place in the study.

Focus

The sole focus of the study was to examine the level of bullying which takes place in primary and secondary pupils and students found in Northern Ireland. It is to ensure that these actions are identified and appropriate strategies are undertaken to ensure that bullying is brought to a halt.

Methods of Collecting Data

The data collection process was done through interview process and the use of survey questionnaire to ensure that the information is collected for analysis. Some of the data was also collected from secondary data from books, journals and periodicals.

The Main Reason Why the Case Study Approach Was Used

In the study, the approach was to provide an insight about bullying in Northern Ireland and the manner in which it affects pupils in the primary level of education and those who are in the post primary school. It was also done to lay down a foundation for further research on the manner in which bullying can be brought to an end.

Findings

From the study, it was found that 30% of the post-primary pupils had undergone through bullying while 40% of the primary school pupils were also victims. On the other hand, 28% of the post-primary and 25% of the primary pupils have accepted that they have participated in bullying others. These thus provide the basis as to which the strategies can be implemented to reduce the bullying in schools.

Conclusion

From the analysis, it can be evident that the bullying process is very lethal for the development and growth of the students in schools. Therefore, appropriate steps should be undertaken to ensure that bullying is reduced to a manageable levels or eliminated completely.

References

Adamson G & McAleavy & Katrina C. (2010). Bullying in schools: a Northern Ireland study. Educational Research. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0013188042000178827

Hana K.A., Eman S.E., Fatima M.A.T., Raghda M.E.A (2017). The Impact of School Bullying On Students' Academic Achievement from Teachers Point of View. International Education Studies; Vol. 10, No. 6. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1144634.pdf

Husain S & Jan A. (2015). Bullying in Elementary Schools: Its Causes and Effects on Students. Journal of Education and Practice. Vol.6, No.19. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1079521.pdf

Leila R & Craig W.M. (2002). Evaluation of An Ecological Program to Reduce Bullying in Schools. Canadian Journal of Counseling / Revue canadienne de counseling Vol. 36:4. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ657148.pdf

Newman, D. A. (1999). The effectiveness of a psychoeducational intervention for classroom teachers aimed at reducing bullying behavior in middle school students (Doctoral dissertation, ProQuest Information & Learning).