Bullying: predictive factors for a growing phenomenon

Blitz Quotidiano.it

Centronline.it

Italian

English

Web Article

Parents, Policy Makers, Teachers, Researchers, Young People, School Directors.

Not relevant

The term “bullismo” comes from an English word “bullying” that identifies the phenomenon of abuse among peers. “A student is a victim of bullying when he is victimised and abused, when he is continuously subjected to offences carried out by one or more mates”. Therefore there are various forms of bullying, that is physical, indirect and verbal abuse such as knocks and blows, text messages, photos, phone calls that are carried out by a single person or a group with the aim to cause harm intentionally to a “weak” teenager. Inside the phenomenon there is a series of problems that involve teachers and parents. A lot of adults tend to undervalue the problem, but bullying has a series of consequences for the victims that can last till adulthood.
Recent studies stated a greater involvement of males in the role of bullies and even if this behaviour is not stigmatised, it tends to happen continuously in the future. Most of the times school is the favourite place for bullies, above all during moments when the control of adults is less present.
Parents themselves are often the ones who undervalue their children’s violent and rebellious behaviour.

The article deals with the bullying phenomenon, summing up, in a brief but complete way, the features of the phenomenon, above all from the point of view of school education. After the definition and a tiny collection of data related to recent studies and researches, the writer focuses on some prevention strategies: first of all, the involvement of the family, secondly the relationship among the class group and finally the involvement of the bully in workshop activities and theatrical performances, where positive and constructive contents can be expressed. It is also underlined the necessary involvement of the victim in repair activities, such as mentoring, that are one-to-one sessions where the victim with relationship problems can be listened to and helped by an educator.

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