Standing up to Bullying

This internship is in partnership with PREVNet. Researchers have found that bystander intervention during bullying episodes among children stops the bullying in the majority of instances. A number of constructs have recently emerged as potential correlates and predictors for bystander intervention, or lack thereof, and have not yet been studied within this age group (i.e., 10 and 12 year olds). These constructs have also not been investigated together within one study to examine their individual relative contributions (and potentially cumulative effect) to bystander behaviours. In addition, particular strategies that are perceived as most effective in stopping bullying episodes have not yet been generated by children using qualitative methods. The current study aims to address the gaps in our current understanding of bystander intervention during childhood bullying episodes by focusing on the following research questions: (1) What do children report are the most effective ways for bystanders to stop a bullying episode? (2) Is willingness to stand up for others who are being bullied related to (a) attachment relationships with peers, (b) empathy towards peers, (c) social self‐efficacy, and/or (d) attitudes towards bullying and victimization?

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Debra Pepler

Student:

Mary Catherine Cappadocia

Partner:

Astral Media

Discipline:

Psychology

Sector:

Education

University:

York University