The psycho-educational impact of bullying on primary school learners

Abstract

School bullying is becoming a problem throughout the world. It is deemed necessary that schools become safer environments for teaching and learning to take place. This study focused specifically on the impact of bullying, educationally and psychologically, on primary school learners. In the literature review conducted, research studies showed that learners were clearly affected by bullying. An empirical investigation, which included four individual sessions and a focus group session, was undertaken to determine what the effects of bullying were on the victims. Transcriptions were made of all the interviews and the data was then analysed to determine what the main themes were. The investigation concluded that bullying does affect learners educationally and psychologically. Based on the results, guidelines were provided for schools, parents, educators and the Department of Education.