Classroom influences on bullying

Abstract

The relationship between estimates of teachers' management of the class, the social structure of the class and bullying otherswas investigated by questionnaires answered by 2,002 pupils and 99 teachers in Norwegian primary schools. A path analysis demonstrated that the social structure of the class had a direct impact on bullying behaviour. Classroom management had a direct impact on the prevalence of bullying other children, and an indirect impact on this variable via the social structure. The joint impact of management and social structure on bullying others was substantial. Class-level estimates of family conditions of the pupils were included in the analyses. Implications for preventing bullying by general management of the class are discussed.