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Towards Bully-Free Schools: Interventions in Action

NCJ Number
184164
Author(s)
Derek Glover; Netta Cartwright; Denis Gleeson
Date Published
1998
Length
191 pages
Annotation
This book considers the progress made in changing pupil attitudes toward bullying in 25 secondary schools.
Abstract
Three issues are addressed: how schools can change attitudes so there is a decline in all forms of bullying behavior; the difference that action against bullying makes to pupil life and the quality of teaching and learning; and whether action is leading to a longer term improvement in the school society. In addressing these issues, the book relies heavily upon case study material and surveys. Chapter 1 links the research context and the reality of school life, followed by a chapter that is based on the experiences of a group of young people and leads to a consideration of the impact of anti-bullying within the project schools in Chapter 3. The central contention of the research is that policies are only of limited value unless they are part of a positive overall culture of the school. This is the focus of Chapter 4. Chapter 5 examines the way in which policies have evolved and the impact they have had. The authors also argue that much change in bullying behavior must occur under influences outside the school. Chapters 6 and 7 discuss the role of parents and the community in achieving changed attitudes. The process of change in the schools that have been effective in implementing anti-bullying policies is explored in Chapter 8. Three case studies of change are presented in the next chapter, followed by the concluding chapter, which revisits the approach to developing positive school culture as the key to effective anti-bullying strategies. Each chapter provides guidance for those interested in developing policy and changing attitudes within their own schools. Chapter tables, a 193-item bibliography, and a subject index