Bully/victim problems in Northern Ireland’s schools : data from the 2000 young persons’ behaviour and attitude survey

Authors

McGuckin, Conor
Hyland, Pauline
Lewis, Christopher Alan

Issue Date

2008

Degree

Publisher

Individual Differences Association

Rights

Items in Esource are protected by copyright. Previously published items are made available in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher/copyright holder.

Abstract

Comparatively little is known about the nature, incidence and correlates of bully/victim problems in the Northern Ireland school system. The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence of self-reported experiences of bully/victim problems among a representative sample of 6,297 11 to 16 year olds living in Northern Ireland who participated in the 2000 Young Persons’ Behavior and Attitude Survey. Respondents were presented with three questions enquiring explicitly about victimization. Across other non-explicit questions,respondents volunteered salient information about personal experiences of bully/victim problems. Almost half of all respondents (43.3%, N = 2,470) reported being a victim of bullying behavior. Bully/victim problems also pervaded personal experiences of school meal times, sporting activities, and perceptions of personal safety. These findings are placed within the context of previous findings. Keywords:Bully, victim, cyberbullying, health, wellbeing, Northern Ireland.

Collections