Risk Factors for Educator-Targeted Bullying: A Social-Ecological Perspective

Abstract

This study investigated educator-targeted bullying (ETB) in a South African school setting from a social-ecological perspective. Seven survivors of ETB were interviewed using open ended questions. The data were content analysed for themes. The main findings of the study were: (1) bullies are undisciplined individuals who lack parental support; (2) school and classroom management styles may encourage ETB; and (3) a lack of positive values in the community and a disregard for authority figures perpetuate ETB. Survivors of ETB perceived to lack support from colleagues, school management, and parents of the offending learners.