Bullying at School is the definitive book on bullying/victim problems in school and on effective ways of counteracting and preventing such problems.

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Bullying at School is the definitive book on bully/victim problems in school and on effective ways of counteracting and preventing such problems. On the basis of the author's large-scale studies and other research, it is known that bullying is a serious problem in all societies that have been studied so far, and that more than 15 percent of the school population in primary and secondary/junior high schools are involved, either as bullies or victims.

The facts about bullying, its causes and consequences, are presented in clear and straightforward language. The book is a milestone in the study of bullying at school in that it offers a scientifically evaluated intervention program. The results of this extensive research are remarkable:

• a reduction of bully/victim problems by 50 percent or more
• a considerable drop in antisocial behavior such as vandalism, theft, drunkenness, and truancy
• clear improvements in the "social climate" of the classroom and student satisfaction with school life.

The book gives practical advice to school principals, teachers, and parents on how to implement a "whole school approach to bullying," and contains a valuable guide to help teachers and parents recognize if a child is being victimized or bullies others. Bullying at School is essential reading for all who are involved with children and young people.

Foreword.

Acknowledgments.

Introduction.

Part I: What We Know About Bullying.

Stories from the Press.

What is Meant by Bullying?.

Some Information About the Recent Studies.

One Student out of Seven.

Bully/Victim Problems in Different Grades.

Have Bully/Victim Problems Increased.

Bullying Among Boys and Girls.

How Much Do the Teachers Do? How Much Do the Parents Know.

Bullying at School and on the Way to and from School.

Comparison between Norway and Sweden.

Is Bullying Primarily a Big-City Problem?

The Size of the School and the Class.

Supervision During Recess and Lunch Time.

On Analysis at Different Levels.

Stability of Bully/Victim Problems over Time.

Is Bullying a Consequence of Competition at School?.

What Role do External Deviations Play?.

What Characterizes the Typical Victims?.

What Characterizes the Typical Bullies?

Physical Weakness and Strength.

A Concrete Picture.

What Kind of Rearing Conditions Create Aggressive Children?

Group Mechanisms.

Other Factors.

A Wider Perspective on Bully/Victim Problems.

A Question of Fundamental Democratic Rights.

Portrait Sketches of Henry and Roger, a Victim and a Bully.

Guide for the Identification of Possible Victims and Bullies:.

Being a Victim - Possible Signs.

Being a Bully - Possible Signs.

Part II: What We Can Do About Bullying.

Overview of Intervention Program.

Goals.

Awareness and Involvement.

Measures at the School Level:.

A School Conference Day.

Supervision and Outdoor Environment.

Contact Telephone.

A General PTA Meeting.

Teacher Groups for the Development of the Social Milieu of the School.

Study Groups in Parent-Teacher Associations (Parent Circles).

Measures at the Class Level:.

Class Rules about Bullying.

Praise.

Sanctions.

Class Meetings.

Cooperative Learning.

Common Positive Activities.

Class PTA Meetings.

Measures at the Individual Level.

Serious Talks with the Bully.

Talks with the Victim.

Talks with the Parents.

What Can the Parents of the Bully Do?

What Can the Parents of the Victim Do?

Use of Imagination.

Discussion Groups for Parents of Bullied or Bullying Students.

Change of Class or School.

Part III: Effects of The Intervention Program.

Main Findings.

Brief Comments.

Basic Principles.

Additional Characteristics.

Part IV: Additional Practical Advice and a Core Program.

Support form the Principal and Formation of a Coordinating Group.

Awareness and Involvement.

Adequate Supervision During Recess and Lunch Time.

Class Rules and Class Meetings.

Talks with Involved Students and Their Parents.

Overview of Core Program.

Final Words.

References.

Index.