Students’ experiences as bystanders to bullying

Abstract

Background: Bullying at school is a worldwide phenomenon. Observers are central to understanding the phenomenon and developing preventive actions. Objective: To know the experience of students identified as witnesses of bullying situations. Methodology: Qualitative and exploratory study developed in a Brazilian school, in the light of the social cognitive theory. Twenty students aged between 13 and 18 years participated. Data were collect-ed through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Thematic analysis was applied to the data. Results: The prevalence rate of students who observed bullying was 64%. Participants have good knowledge about bullying, assess aggressive behavior as negative or harmful, but this understanding does not translate into a sense of self-efficacy and actions to help victims. A thematic category was built – Taking action, reinforcing and feeling – “What was also motivating the aggressor to do this is the audience”. Conclusion: The students’ experience is marked by individual, school and contextual issues. Implications for primary health care are spelled out.