English

What Is Peer Victimisation?

Danny’s story is one of many possible forms of bullying victimisation. Indeed, the term bullying refers to many aggressive behaviours perpetrated against school-aged children and adolescents by their peers.

In brief, bullying can be defined as a systematic abuse of power within peer relationships (Smith & Sharp, 1994).

Reflection Activity

Your definition of bullying

Sometimes the bullied child may not recognise and understand what is happening. Other students who are around may also have the same difficulties. Think of how you would describe bullying to your students. What wording would you use? What examples could you provide to help students understand bullying better?

Bullying behaviours can take on different forms (e.g., Casper & Card, 2017; Gini, Card, & Pozzoli, 2018).