Investigating Japanese Ijime (Bullying) behavior using agent-based and system dynamics models

Abstract

In the recent years, observing Ijime (i.e. Japanese bully) among Japanese students has been a growing concern. To understand the effect of this behavior in a detail level, we build an Agent-Based Model (ABM) and conduct a set of experiments. In the model, interactions occur between victim and bully as Prisoner Dilemma game. A System Dynamics model is also built and simulated to verify robustness and examine effects of the assumptions in ABM model. The results indicate that students can attend higher social standing by being not cooperative. As such, if one is victim, it is recommended not to comply with the bully. In the case of being bully, one needs to take the role seriously. Thus, by encouraging victim to be aggressive toward bully, the effect of Ijime can be alleviated.