Related Experiment Videos
Peer involvement in bullying: insights and challenges for intervention
P O'Connell1, D Pepler, W Craig
1LaMarsh Research Centre on Violence and Conflict Resolution, York University, Toronto, Ont., Canada.
Journal of Adolescence
|September 2, 1999
Summary
Peers play a central role in playground bullying, often reinforcing bullies rather than intervening. Effective anti-bullying strategies require whole-school support alongside peer initiatives.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Social Learning Theory
- Educational Settings
Background:
- Bullying is a significant issue in schools.
- Peer influence is a critical factor in social dynamics.
- Understanding peer roles in bullying is essential for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze peer behaviors during school playground bullying.
- To investigate peer reinforcement of bullies and intervention for victims.
- To examine these dynamics through a social learning lens.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 53 video segments of playground bullying.
- Coding peer groups (2-14 peers) for specific actions.
- Categorizing peer behaviors: reinforcing bullies (passive/active) and intervening for victims.
Main Results:
- Peers spent 54% of time passively reinforcing bullies, 21% actively modeling bullies, and 25% intervening for victims.
- Older boys (grades 4-6) were more likely to join bullies than younger boys and older girls.
- Girls (younger and older) were more likely to intervene for victims than older boys.
Conclusions:
- Peers are central actors in playground bullying dynamics.
- Peer-led anti-bullying interventions face challenges.
- Successful interventions necessitate integrated whole-school approaches.