ABSTRACT
Bullying is a form of aggressive behaviour which is usually hurtful and deliberate; it is often persistent, sometimes continuing for weeks, months or even years and it is difficult for those being bullied to defend themselves. Bullying can pervade the relationships of pupils and become accepted as normal. For most pupils, bullying occurs in and around school, the playground being the most common location. The most common perpetrators of bullying behaviour are individual boys or groups of several boys. Girls tend to bully in groups, often using indirect bullying which can be more difficult for teachers to detect. Boys are more likely to use more direct, physical forms of bullying. Most pupils do not like bullying behaviour and would like to be able to help their peers. For schools who want to do something about bullying, these pupils are important allies.
