Bullying in Middle and High Schools in Rural Mississippi: An Exploratory Study

• In Event: The School Environment, Crime, and Juvenile Delinquency

Abstract

Bullying remains an intractable problem in American schools. It is estimated that more than 160,000 students skip school each day because of bullying. Available records show that many students who engage in bullying in the middle and high schools grow up committing crimes as adults. This exploratory study examines the nature and extent of bullying in the middle and high-schools in rural Mississippi. It also examines how bullying affects students, staff, and parents morale and learning environment. Given the complex nature of the bullying problem, a mixed method approach will be employed in the study, including surveys, interviews and content analysis. Furthermore, this study seeks to explore other positive and effective methods of addressing the bullying problem in American schools.

Authors

• Rochelle E.M. Cobbs, Mississippi Valley State University

• Oko Elechi, Mississipi Valley State University

• Andrea Henry, Mississippi Valley State University

• Steffi Rodriguez, Mississippi Valley State University

• Brandi Williams, Mississippi Valley State University