Moving Away from a Culture of Blame to that of Support-Based Approaches to Bullying in Schools

Abstract

This paper considers the value of a specific non-punitive approach to dealing with bullying. It is based upon an exploratory project undertaken in a Year 3 class in a primary school which has not been identified by name. The project involved working with pupils involved in bullying using the stages and principles of the Support Group Method (SGM) and collecting data for analysis through interviews, observations and field notes. The paper concludes with professional implications and an endorsement of support-based approaches to managing bullying.

Keywords:

• bullying
• support group
• primary school

Additional information

Notes on contributors

LOUISE BRAY

Primary School Teacher