News Release
Bullying Hits 4 In 10 Primary School Pupils – UU Research
30th October 2002
4 out of 10 Northern Ireland primary school pupils have been victims of bullies, according to researchers at the University of Ulster.
The study - called Bullying In Schools - A Northern Ireland Survey – was carried out by Dr Katrina Collins, Professor Gerry McAleavy and Dr Gary Adamson.
It is the most comprehensive survey of bullying ever undertaken in Northern Ireland. The researchers surveyed 3000 pupils and staff from 120 schools in Northern Ireland,
Among the findings from the study are:
- 40% of primary school pupils said they had recently been bullied
- 25% of primary school pupils said they had bullied another pupil
- 30% of post -primary pupils said they had been the victims of bullying
- 28% said they had bullied another pupil.
- Half the bullies had not discussed their bullying behaviour with a teacher and most of the bullies had not discussed their bullying behaviour with anyone at home.
International comparisons in the report include:
40% of primary school pupils in Northern Ireland said they had recently been bullied, compared to 30% in the Republic of Ireland and England and just 9% in Norway.
The comparisons, however, need to be understood in the context that the studies cited were carried out at different times, involved different sample sizes and different age groups. Researcher Gerry McAleavy said: “It is important that school policies are in place and that the policies are understood by all staff including governors, managers, teachers, support staff and parents.
“Staff need to work with parents to help break the culture of silence so pupils can report and tell. Also, professionals need the capability to deal effectively with bullying”.
For further information, please contact:
Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk
