Bullying is generally defined as repeated
negative actions (i.e., physical, verbal, and/or psychological)
directed at a target over time, where there is a power differential
(either real or perceived) between the target and the bully/bullies
(Olweus, 1993; Olweus, Limber, & Mihalic, 1999).
The widespread and chronic nature of
bullying suggests that the impact on children both short and
long-term can be considerable. Psychologists, given their skills
and expertise in matters of human behavior, are uniquely qualified
to work with school systems to implement research-based prevention
programs, and with individual clients to address the adverse impact
of bullying on both targets and bullies.
In this paper, I further describe the
incidence of bullying, including gender differences, as well as
characteristics of targets and bullies. Next, an outline of the
short and long-term impact of bullying is provided. Finally, I
discuss assessment issues, and effective interventions, both at the
systems and individual levels. This article is intended to be an
introduction to the subject with particular focus on issues of
concern to psychologists. Therefore, many issues which could be
discussed in much greater detail will only be briefly outlined with
references to allow the reader to further explore a
subject.
Keywords: bullying, gender
differences, short and long - term impact, intervention.