Students’ experiences as bystanders to bullying
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12707/RV20144Keywords:
bullying, social theory, school health, behavior, attitudesAbstract
Background: Bullying at school is a worldwide phenomenon. Observers are central to understanding the phenomenon and developing preventive actions.
Objective: To know the experience of students identified as witnesses of bullying situations.
Methodology: Qualitative and exploratory study developed in a Brazilian school, in the light of the social cognitive theory. Twenty students aged between 13 and 18 years participated. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Thematic analysis was applied to the data.
Results: The prevalence rate of students who observed bullying was 64%. Participants have good knowledge about bullying, assess aggressive behavior as negative or harmful, but this understanding does not translate into a sense of self-efficacy and actions to help victims. A thematic category was built – Taking action, reinforcing and feeling – “What was also motivating the aggressor to do this is the audience”.
Conclusion: The students’ experience is marked by individual, school and contextual issues. Implications for primary health care are spelled out.
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References
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