Unseen Scars: The Intersection of School Bullying, Individualism, and Collectivism

Abstract

Violence in schools occurs in both collectivist and individualist societies. This paper examined bullying in educational settings and the connection to individualism and collectivism. It reported how these concepts influence bullying behaviors. Data from the OECD indicated that around 23% of students in these countries face bullying several times a month. The main focus was on the impact of bullying on students' mental health, social relationships, and academic performance. The paper also explored the differences in bullying behaviors in cultures prioritizing group values (collectivism) versus individual values (individualism). In individualistic societies, bullied students might feel more isolated, while in collectivist societies, bullying might be less visible as individuals might not discuss their struggles in public. This study aimed to provide a clearer understanding of school bullying by considering both personal experiences and the wider cultural context. The findings were expected to contribute significantly to developing more effective anti-bullying strategies that consider both individual and group perspectives.