FAQs

What is bullying?

There is no agreed definition of bullying. It can take many forms - physical, verbal or social (for example deliberately keeping someone out of a group). All forms have something in common - they cause distress, at times extreme. There are numerous definitions of bullying written for various purposes and emphasising different aspects.

How common is bullying?

Studies in many different countries over the last twenty years have shown that bullying in schools is common. It is not unusual to find that between a third to a half of the pupils were involved in bullying, either as victims or bullies.

Are some children more likely to bully than others?

Some of the major bullying studies have identified certain characteristics which are found in many children who bully. For example being uncaring and having a positive view of violence. The studies did not find that a typical bully has low self-esteem (as previously suggested). It is important to remember that this is a general picture and there will be exceptions.

Why don't children tell?

Children give a variety of reasons for not telling an adult about bullying, ranging from being afraid of what the bullies might do if they found out, to feelings of failure because they could not deal with the bully themselves.

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Project Beneficiares

The project relates to the “reduction in ESL rates” priority, seeking to address barriers to achievement faced by targets and perpetrators of bullying; as both, these groups can subsequently become early school leavers. Pupils have the right to enjoy their school life and acquire knowledge and skills that will set them on the path to success. High levels of bullying in school have a devastating effect on academic achievement and emotional wellbeing both for the perpetrators and targets. A child who is bullied at school is not likely to look forward to going to school because of not wanting to be and humiliated in front of other children, while perpetrators are at risk of exclusion from school and subsequent contact with the criminal justice system. Early School Leaving (ESL) has been recognized as a key factor in social exclusion. Read more

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