Bullying in Schools: And what to do about it

Bullying in Schools is based on Ken Rigby's first-hand knowledge of this problem. Much of his understanding comes from his research at the University of South Australia on the responses of over 20,000 students to bullying in their schools. This important study offers useful ways of tackling this issue:

strategies to identify both bullies and victims

ways to diffuse potentially troublesome situations

ways to enhance the self-esteem of the victims

methods of dealing with bullies that are not punitive and damaging but can help to make the abuser more aware of how the victim feels.

The key to reducing bullying lies in schools embracing an ethos in which it is impossible for this sort of abuse to flourish. Professor Rigby demonstrates that positive steps can be taken and the incidence of this form of harassment can be reduced significantly.

All those involved in the education and welfare of children would find this passionate and motivating book invaluable. Both empowering and positive, it is a book that offers hope to all our children.

Ken Rigby is Adjunct Progessor of Social Psychology in the Faculty of Social Science at the University of South Australia.