Adults and school bullying in the series Thirteen Reasons Why: a bio-ecological analysis

Abstract

School bullying is a serious public health problem and television drama series can contribute to shedding more light on its numerous facets. Hence, this study sought to analyze the discourses and practices of adults when they learn about or witness bullying situations in the television series Thirteen Reasons Why. This exploratory study employed a qualitative approach based on Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Theory. The methodological procedures comprised analyzing and selecting the episodes, identifying the scenes that contained bullying, classifying the adults’ perspectives and actions, and data analysis. We found an insufficient understanding of the adults in situations of bullying that were witnessed or known. Coercive behaviors, punishments, and transference of responsibility between contexts were the most identified actions. This study contributes to raising awareness among managers and civil society about the role of adults in managing and preventing cases of bullying in schools.