Bullying Prevention: Nature and Extent of Bullying in Canada

National Crime Prevention Centre

National Crime Prevention Centre

English

English

Bullying in Canada

Report

Policy Makers, Teachers, Researchers, School Directors.

1 - 20 pages

Produced in 2008, the report begins with a definition of bullying and looks at the connections between bullying, delinquency and crime. Some interesting results are detailed including 'Children who bully are 37% more likely than those who do not bully, to commit offences as adults'; 'Children who bully may later suffer psychological problems, such as externalising behaviours, aggressive tendencies, and occassional symptoms of depression'.

The frequency of bullying - it is suggested that roughly 6% of students aged 12 to 19, report bullying others on a weekly basis, 8% report that they are victims of bullying weekly, and 1% report that they are both victimized and bully others on a weekly basis, but figures for physical and verbal bullying for students aged bewteen 11 and 15 are estimated at between 10-15%

Several promising practices and model programmes to prevent bullying are recommended and the report supports the emerging consensus that a 'whole school approach' is the most effective and lasting method to prevent bullying and nine key principles which a whols school approach needs to be successful are identified.

This is a very short report (only 8 pages including 3 pages of listing additional resources and references, but neverthless we found the report to be interesting and worthwhile.

We particularly liked the section on 'What works to prevent bullying' where five suggestions are recommended:

1) Bully-proofing your School
2) The Olweus Bullying Prevention Programme
3) The Fourth R Curriculum
4) Together We Light the Way
5) Success in Stages

Finally, our other research supports the copnclusion of this report that a 'Whole School Approach' is the one most likely to succeed and we think the key principles are worth mentioning:

1) Strong teacher and adult leadership and strong student-teacher
bonding
2) Clear and consistent behavioural norms
3) Adult awareness and involvement
4) Effective (focussed and intense) supervision
5) Involvement of multiple stakeholders
6) Involvement of youth in programme development and delivery
7) Target multiple risk and protective factors
8) Focus on early, long-term intervention
9) Be gender and age specific and focus on social skills

http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/res/cp/res/2008-bp-01-eng.aspx

Nature and extent of bullying in Canada.pdf

Wilsthorpe Community School