Missing Structure: A Critical Content Analysis of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program

Abstract

School bullying is dominantly understood as an individualistic phenomenon, overlooking the sociostructural environment that creates and maintains it. A critical content analysis reveals that the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program is similarly lacking. The programme labels students as bullies and victims, ascribes these groups’ particular character traits, sidelines issues of bias and at times reproduces norms that foster bullying. The programme hyperfocuses on real-time manifestations of bullying incidents, attempting to end bullying through universal monitoring of students and student compliance with anti-bullying rules. It is argued that efforts to reduce school bullying should address both its individualistic and structural determinants.