Bullying Among Adolescents in an Indian School

Abstract

Bullying in schools has always been a matter of concern. Research in this area in India is limited. To bridge the existing gap, the present study attempts to come closer to the potential bully for a better understanding and intervention. In the study, a random sample of 137 students of a coed school aged 12–14 years was assessed using Peer Relations Questionnaire, resulting in a target sample of 45 (25 boys, 20 girls) students who were “highly inclined to be bully.” The student’s anger levels and self-esteem were assessed using Adolescent Anger Rating Scale and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Subsequently, structured interviews with class teachers and semi-structured interviews with six students were conducted. Results were indicative of gender differences in bullying behavior with boys expressing anger more explicitly than girls. Self-esteem of the bullies did not differ with regard to gender. Qualitative findings suggested that in view of teachers, it was only the boys who engaged in bullying behavior rather than girls. The findings have an implication on the staff, teaching and parent community in addition to the mental health professionals dealing with children and adolescents.