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Prevalence and Bullying Experiences of Victims and Victims Who Become Bullies (Bully-Victims) at Rural Schools

NCJ Number
213547
Journal
Victims & Offenders Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: 2006 Pages: 15-31
Author(s)
Catherine N. Dulmus; Karen M. Sowers; Matthew T. Theriot
Date Published
2006
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study examined differences between the experiences of bullying victims who become bullies themselves ("bully-victims") and bullying victims who do not become bullies.
Abstract
The study found that bully-victims experienced more total bullying and were more likely to experience name-calling or teasing, physical assault, having money or items taken or damaged, and bullying based on race or color. Victim-bullies also experienced these behaviors with greater frequency than victims who did not become bullies themselves. In order to prevent the development of bully-victims, antibullying programs must reduce both the occurrence of direct bullying and its consequences to victims. Antibullying interventions should be schoolwide, encourage open communication about bullying, and develop consistent and nonshaming consequences for students involved in bullying. Data were collected in the fall of 2002 from 192 elementary and middle school students at 3 rural public schools (elementary school, middle school, and a combination of the 2). A definition of bullying and instructions for completing the survey questionnaire were provided to all participating students. A bully-victim was identified as a student who met victimization criteria while also reporting that they had perpetrated any of the bullying behaviors described at least two to three times a month. 4 tables and 41 references