Peer violence at school

Definition, forms and theories of bullying. The nature and the consequences of bullying (victimisation and aggression as orthogonal dimensions – four behavioural patterns: bully, bully-victim; victim and uninvolved). Myths about bullying. Gender and age differences in bullying. The role of group processes in bullying. Methodology of peer bullying research (self-report; peer assessments; observation; diary methods) and instruments. Factors of peer bullying on school, classroom and individual level. Prevention and intervention programmes for reduction of peer bullying (student oriented, system oriented). The role of peers, teachers and school counsellors in bullying prevention/reduction.