The research program on school bullying: How and why it has developed over the last 50 years

Abstract

This article starts by giving a short introduction to school bullying – definition, types, roles. age and gender differences, and effects. It then takes a historical perspective, summarising how there have been some four or five phases of the research program, as it developed since the 1970s. A very rapid, growth of publications is noted in recent decades, and some likely reasons for this are mentioned. The content of these publications is then considered. What has this volume of work achieved? Following a mention of the ecological perspective, and cultural differences, a consideration is made of school-based interventions and the extent of their success. The article ends with some thoughts on issues and challenges for future investigation.