The Relationship Between School Climate and Student Bullying

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between student perceptions of school climate and self-reported bullying between students. Data were collected from 604 students in 59 regular grade 5-6 classrooms, within 20 state schools in Victoria, Australia. A significant negative relationship was found between measures of positive school climate and the prevalence of student peer bullying. Implications for classroom teachers and school administrators are discussed. The importance of measuring and monitoring students' involvement in bullying and perceptions of school climate is emphasised.