A qualitative study of perceptions of bullying in Irish primary schools

Abstract

This small-scale research examined young children’s, aged six to seven (n = 8), perceptions and understanding of bullying in Irish primary schools. It also included the views of the children’s parents (n = 8) and teachers (n = 2) on bullying. The participants’ views were obtained through semi-structured interviews which were analysed using the constant comparative method as per grounded theory approach. The results revealed the complexity of young children’s interactions in school and the difficulty that the adults around them have in accurately defining and addressing bullying behaviour. The data indicate the need for parents and teachers to listen attentively and sensitively to children’s accounts of bullying and to provide consistent advice on how to address bullying.

Keywords:

• bullying
• young children
• experiences
• perceptions
• qualitative methods
• grounded theory