NCJ Number
115031
Date Published
1989
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This chapter distinguishes between 'normal' student aggression in the classroom and patterned 'bullying' behavior, followed by a discussion of implications for treatment.
Abstract
'Normal' classroom aggression is due to particular situations and common adolescent behaviors in general classroom circumstances. 'Normal' classroom aggression includes the tendency to relieve the classroom routine and atmosphere with disruptive games, the testing of new teachers, reaction to student perceptions of a teacher's injustice, reactions to a particular classroom atmosphere, teacher-pupil personality conflict, and peer group influences. The school system itself may stimulate aggression in older students desiring a more adult structure. Nursery studies indicate that the aggression of well-adjusted children tends to be manipulative and instrumental; whereas the aggression exhibited by maladjusted children tends to be hostile and destructive. Although there is strong evidence that much of the general aggression and disruption in classrooms is influenced by teachers, peer-group pressures, and wider organizational characteristics, these factors are less important in determining the aggression of bullies, who manifest similar aggressive behaviors regardless of variant situations. Schools and teachers can mitigate 'normal' aggression to keep it from reaching crisis proportions and also control victimization by 'bullies.' The appropriate training of teachers and administrators is the key to such control. 39 references.