This special issue on bullying and victimization in School Psychology Review highlights current research efforts in American schools on bullying and peer victimization, and how this research can in

Research on school bullying and victimization: what have we learned and where do we go from here?

Although bullying and other forms of peer victimization at school are a growing concern, there has been little research examining the potential differences between student and staff perceptions of ...

Bullying and Peer Victimization at School: Perceptual Differences Between Students and School Staff

In elementary schools, the prevalence of bullying ranges from 113% in Finland to 498% in Ireland The only United States study of elementary students found that 19% were bullied Bullying behavior declines as students progress through the grades School bullying is associated with numerous physical, mental, and social detriments A relationship also exists between student bullying behavior and school issues such as academic achievement, school bonding, and absenteeism Prevention of school bullying should become a priority issue for schools The most effective methods of bullying reduction involve a whole school approach This method includes assessing the problem, planning school conference days, providing better supervision at recess, forming a bullying prevention coordinating group, encouraging parent-teacher meetings, establishing classroom rules against bullying, holding classroom meetings about bullying, requiring talks with the bullies and victims, and scheduling talks with the parents of involved students Finally, this review suggests further studies needed to help ameliorate the bullying problem in US schools

The Nature and Extent of Bullying at School.

OBJECTIVES: This article provides an introduction to the October 2011 special issue of the Journal of School Health on "Healthier Students Are Better Learners." METHODS: Literature was reviewed and synthesized to identify health problems affecting school-aged youth that are highly prevalent, disproportionately affect urban minority youth, directly and indirectly causally affect academic achievement, and can be feasibly and effectively addressed through school health programs and services. RESULTS: Based on these criteria, 7 educationally relevant health disparities were selected as strategic priorities to help close the achievement gap: (1) vision, (2) asthma, (3) teen pregnancy, (4) aggression and violence, (5) physical activity, (6) breakfast, and (7) inattention and hyperactivity. Research clearly shows that these health problems influence students' motivation and ability to learn. Disparities among urban minority youth are outlined, along with the causal pathways through which each adversely affects academic achievement, including sensory perceptions, cognition, school connectedness, absenteeism, and dropping out. Evidence-based approaches that schools can implement to address these problems are presented. These health problems and the causal pathways they influence have interactive and a synergistic effect, which is why they must be addressed collectively using a coordinated approach. CONCLUSIONS: No matter how well teachers are prepared to teach, no matter what accountability measures are put in place, no matter what governing structures are established for schools, educational progress will be profoundly limited if students are not motivated and able to learn. Particular health problems play a major role in limiting the motivation and ability to learn of urban minority youth. This is why reducing these disparities through a coordinated approach warrants validation as a cohesive school improvement initiative to close the achievement gap. Local, state, and national policies for implementing this recommendation are suggested. Language: en

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1746-1561.2011.00632.x

Healthier students are better learners: a missing link in school reforms to close the achievement gap.

/pdf/healthier-students-are-better-learners-a-missing-link-in-30es13m72r.pdf

Healthier Students Are Better Learners: A Missing Link in School Reforms to Close the Achievement Gap. Equity Matters. Research Review No. 6.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence and correlates of bullying in 7 rural elementary schools from students', parents', and teachers' perspectives. METHOD: Surveys were completed by 739 fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students, 367 parents, and 37 teachers. RESULTS: Students tended to report higher prevalence of bullying than did parents or teachers, and their reports were associated with aggression, attitudes toward violence, and perceptions of school safety. CONCLUSION: Bullying behavior is prevalent in rural elementary schools and is indicative of aggression and proviolence attitudes. Parents and teachers need to pay closer attention to bullying behavior among schoolchildren and to impart their knowledge to children in a comprehensive, coordinated manner. Language: en

Saidou Hangaduambo

Papers

Rural elementary students', parents', and teachers' perceptions of bullying.