Peer Victimization in Middle Childhood: Characteristics, Causes, and Consequences of School Bullying

Abstract

This paper focuses on a particular type of peer victimization commonly identified as school bullying. In the past. myths and inaccurate assumptions coupled with the lack of empirical data on the long term effects and stability of peer victimization have presented serious obstacles toward a greater understanding of bullying. Recent research, however, suggests that the number of students affected is much higher than previously believed, the range of behaviours involved more severe, and the consequences long-lasting; in many cases, the maladjustment for both victims and bullies can extend well into adulthood. Clearly, peer victimization is a complex and multidimensional aspect of school life that needs to be understood in greater depth and taken much more seriously because of the associated consequences. This paper will provide an overview of four central aspects of bullying, namely, the myths, characteristics, callses, and consequences.