Bullying and Audience Behaviour: Capable Guardianship and the Environmental Backdrop of School Bullying

• In Event: Victimization and Bullying in Schools

Abstract

The adverse consequences of bullying on the health and well-being of both bullies and victims have been widely explored in juvenile delinquency research. Employing a mixed-methods approach that embraces both quantitative and qualitative analysis, this research examines messages posted on www.bullying.org by bullies, bully-victims, victims, bystanders, parents, school personnel, and others. The dataset includes 950 messages, of which 625 are from self-identified victims. Guided by the principles of Routine Activity Theory, this study explores such issues as where victimization occurs, the surveillance measures in place, and the overall effectiveness of capable guardians -- such as friends, bystanders, school personnel, and parents. The physical landscape, victim demographics, and audience influences on escalation and de-escalation serve as primary considerations for the study. Contrary to the predictions of Routine Activity Theory, this research indicates that bullying behavior takes place in the type of public venues where capable guardianship should theoretically be present in abundance. The findings also indicate that the presence of potential guardians has a limited impact in reducing bullying behavior, and in some instances, may contribute to and even escalate the bullying. The results are discussed within the context of bullying deterrence and social policy.

Authors

• Vienna Chichi Lam, Simon Fraser University

• Kyla Towle, Simon Fraser University

• Barry Cartwright, Simon Fraser University