1. Personal and Social Characteristics of Schoolchildren Involved in Bullying in Primary Education
- Author
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Sanchez, Consuelo and Cerezo, Fuensanta
- Abstract
Introduction: According to the latest Ombudsman's report, aggressive behavior happens frequently in our country's schools (Spain), appearing in all its manifestations: insults, threats, physical aggression, social isolation, etc. Now, however, we are witnessing a growing interest in this phenomenon and the possible risk factors that may help us understand and prevent these behaviors from early childhood. Individual risk factors such as age and sex have been well documented; however, other studies indicate additional personal variables such as disability, impulsivity or nationality. Method: The purpose of this study is to describe, in primary school children, the relationship between degree of involvement in bullying, certain personal variables and the experience of social rejection. The study includes a total of 426 students enrolled in the later years of primary school (4th, 5th and 6th grades) from three public schools in the Region of Murcia (Spain). The Bull-S Test questionnaire was used for analyzing the degree of involvement in bullying and for studying the sociometric dimension. Results: The results confirm that this phenomenon is happening at younger ages, particularly in Primary School. The study also reveals that there is a relationship between certain personal variables (age, gender, specific needs for educational support, immigration and repeated grade) and bullying, with significant involvement from children in all profiles. Children with specific needs for educational support appear as victims and grade-repeaters and immigrant pupils appear as bullies and bully-victims. Discussion and Conclusion: Certain personal variables (age, gender, specific needs for educational support, immigration and grade repetition), in interaction with social rejection, emerge as risk factors for involvement in bullying. From this perspective, the phenomenon requires an evaluation that describes the subjects directly involved in bullying behaviors and outlines the contextual aspects that may be affecting and supporting it. (Contains 4 tables.)
- Published
- 2010