NCJ Number
118428
Journal
School Safety Dated: (Winter 1987) Pages: 22-25
Date Published
1987
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Victimization by bullies, who act individually and in gangs to commit criminal acts against children and teenagers in schools, is viewed as a terrorist phenomenon.
Abstract
Aggressive behavior is widespread in schools, but few teenage victims lodge complaints with police officials for fear of retaliation. Psychological research indicates that bullying is not just a phase teenagers go through; rather, aggression is a chronic form of self-expression that starts early in life and persists well into adulthood. According to many studies, bullies most likely come from families where parents prefer physical discipline. Victim effects are experienced not only by those directly targeted for harassment by bullies, but also by those who witness victimization and fear the spread of violence to themselves. Although the problem of bullying is not limited to children, vulnerability is apparently a precondition for victimization by school bullies. Many victims of aggression in schools suffer their fate in silence and desolation. Victim responses to bullying can be characterized by self-deprecation, learned helplessness, anger and revenge, and cynicism toward authority. Educators should emphasize rules, rights, and responsibilities in their lesson plans and convey principles of law and order. Parents and the community should be involved with teachers to develop an acceptable intervention program for victims of bullies in schools. 3 references.