Following up with bullied pupils: perceptions from young adults in Norway who were previously exposed to bullying

ABSTRACT

Being exposed to bullying increases the risk of severe negative consequences related to mental health problems and school performance. However, there is a lack of research regarding how school’s follow-up with children and adolescents who were previously exposed to bullying to prevent or reduce this risk. This study explored key aspects regarding how schools can follow-up with bullied children and adolescents. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with young adults previously exposed to bullying. Four men and six women aged 18–29 years old. Transcribed interview data were analysed by qualitative content analysis. Findings indicated a need for planned follow-up work in schools at both individual and organisational levels. Core components for such work are suggested to be knowledge, authoritative classroom management, communication and collaboration inside and outside of the school. Implications for further research are studies of how schools can effectively detect and support these pupils through systematic efforts in schools.

KEYWORDS:

• Bullying
• follow-up work
• school-based interventions
• teachers
• systematic approach

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to all the informants who shared their perceptions about necessary and adequate follow-up work at schools after the bullying stops.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflicts of interest were reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The research received no external funding.

Notes on contributors

Mari Markussen Lunder

Mari M. Lunder is a PhD Candidate at Centre for Learning Environment at University of Stavanger, Norway. Her main research area is follow-up work after bullying. She is experienced within qualitative methodology.

Kjersti Balle Tharaldsen

Kjersti B. Tharaldsen PhD is Associate Professor in Educational Psychology at Centre for Learning Environment at University of Stavanger, Norway. She has research experience from the Psychiatric division at Stavanger University Hospital. Her main research areas are social and emotional learning, stress and coping interventions, and follow-up work after bullying. She is experienced within qualitative methodology and mixed methods methodology.