The following review identifies key concepts associated with bullying, the effects of bullying as well as school climate which often leads to this social phenomenon. The literature provides what research has been done and the limitations as well as future research that will need to be completed to fully gain a handle on this problem. Bullying has become a large problem stemming from many factors such as parental involvement, learning what the cause may help to be able to put a stop or slow down this phenomenon. .
Key Terms: Bullying, Cyber bullying, Bystander Empathy, Victim, School Climate.
A Review of the Literature Regarding Bullying, School Climate and Prevention.
Bullying has become a prevalent problem in schools across the country. With the introduction of technology, bullies are able to reach their intended targets at anytime they feel like it. They are able to reach out on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, or e-mail their victims to continue tormenting them beyond school hours. Left unchecked bullying can have adverse effects on school climate, a victim's mental health and student learning and their right to feel safe within a school environment. Victims may attempt to avoid their tormentor by staying away from school and sometimes dropping out of school in severe cases and they may face astigmatism with their peers and therefore an outcast. Bullies pick on individuals that they perceive cannot defend themselves or will not defend themselves. Although there have been interventions put in place and some schools tend to have a zero tolerance policy in regards to bullying, much still needs to be done to eradicate this problem.
Defining the Key Terms.
Bullying.
According to the website stopbullying.gov bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time.