Qualitative Analysis of the Bullying Prevention and Intervention Recommendations of Students in Grades 5 to 8

• NCJ Number: 232415
• Journal: Journal of School Violence Volume: 9 Issue: 4 Dated: October-December, 2010 Pages: 321-338
• Author(s): Charles E. Cunningham; Lesley J. Cunningham; Jenna Ratcliffe; Tracy Vaillancourt
• Date Published: October 2010
• Length: 18 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the bullying prevention suggestions in a group of students in Grades 5 through 8.

Abstract

Focus groups explored the bullying prevention suggestions of 62 Grade 5 to 8 students. Discussions were transcribed and analyzed thematically. Students advocated a comprehensive approach including uniforms, increased supervision, playground activities, group restructuring to prevent social isolation, influential presenters, prevention skills training, solution-focused posters, and meaningful consequences. In addition, students suggested that parents should improve relationships with their children, respond to aggression, limit exposure to media violence, and support school-based discipline. The failure to respond effectively to students who bully in defiance of antibullying presentations, and who retalitate when reported or disciplined, undermines prevention programs by reducing the willingness of bystanders to intervene or report bullying, and influencing the attitudes of younger pupils. The approach advocated by students is supported by meta-analyses of the effective components of bullying prevention trials. Table and references (Published Abstract)