Running Head: Bullying: A Review of the Literature 1

Bullying: a Review of the Literature

Andrea Lopez
University of Texas at El Paso







Bullying: A Review of the Literature 2

Abstract
Bullying is a monster that cannot be overcome by only one. It takes a united whole parents,
community leaders, school authorities and teachers, and children to take a stand against
bullying and find non-aggressive means to tame the beast. Many people know what bullying
consists of and how it goes. Not everyone knows every factor to it. This literature review will
inform the reader with history and different ways to take act against bullying. Interviews, both
personal and through telephone, data from a survey and text from books will be used throughout
this paper.











Bullying: A Review of the Literature 3


Bullying and the Prevention: a Review of the Literature
Bullying in schools has become a hot topic among the general public, parents, and the
educational community in recent years. Although bullying has been around for decades, it has
evolved and is at its most dangerous. Each and every child should know that they have someone
to count on and to go to when they are being troubled. In order to address the issue of bullying, it
is important to clearly understand how bullying is defined. A commonly used definition is A
person is bullied when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the
part of one or more other persons, and he or she has difficulty defending himself or herself. (D.
Olweous, Ph.D. 2007) Expressed in more everyday language, one might say that bullying is
when someone repeatedly and on purpose says or does mean or hurtful things to another person
who has a hard time defending himself or herself.
Not only in schools does bullying take place, but also in the workplace. Bullying in the
workplace is the same concept as in school. The only difference is, that it is between adults and
takes place at work. Bullying in the workplace can be as harmful as in school with younger kids.
The effect on the workers being bullied are somewhat similar to effect on kids. Kids dont want
to go to school, workers dont want to show up to their job. Kids cry in pain, workers cry in pain.
Some kids dont know who to go to for help, some workers dont know who to talk to for help.
Bullying can happen to anyone, anywhere. No matter the age, race, religion or place. The
introduction of and public interest in the concept of bullying at work seem to have emerged in a
similar patter across most countries. Such waves of interest are typically instigated by press
Bullying: A Review of the Literature 4

reports on high-profile single court cases or cases where one or more employees publicly claim
to have been subjected to extreme mistreatment at work. (S. Einarsen, 2002)
It has been difficult to find a positive way to get the message out to people about
preventing such act. Even though there are many presentations and shows that talk about
bullying and how its a bad thing to do, it seems that there are heartless people out there that do
not care about other peoples feelings. There have been many bullying cases yet people still
decide to do what they do even after hearing or seeing what happens to those who are the victims
of bullying. To be able to go deeper into the bullying act, five questions need to be considered:
1. In what year did the first bullying case occur?
2. What are some factors that help prevent bullying?
3. What are the effects/consequences?
4. What are the different views on bullying?
5. What are the different types of bullying?
The following literature review will: discuss some history behind bullying, ways to prevent
people to bully others, different consequences that one may face, the different views and
meanings of bullying from people and the different types of bullying that there is and how they
take place.
In what year did the first bullying case occur?
Bullying does not have a specific date to when it started. Bullying has been around since
the cavemen were still alive. It was not until the year 2000 when it began to be addressed by
researchers, parents, guardians and authority figures. The word "bully" was first used in the
1530s meaning "sweetheart", applied to either sex, from the Dutch boel "lover, brother",
Bullying: A Review of the Literature 5

probably diminutive of Middle High German buole "brother", of uncertain origin. The meaning
deteriorated through the 17th century through "fine fellow", "blusterer", to "harasser of the
weak". This may have been as a connecting sense between "lover" and "ruffian" as in "protector
of a prostitute", which was one sense of "bully" (though not specifically attested until 1706). The
verb "to bully" is first attested in 1710. (N. Mullin, M. Ed. 2010)
Bullying is becoming an increasingly visible occupational risk factor for employees in
Spain. This has been recognized by several court rulings in recent years. The first and most
significant, in April 2001, set a clear precedent by considering bullying as an objective
occupational hazard that entitled the victims to the same compensation and protective measures
as those applied to industrial accidents. Since then, several court judgments have confirmed the
treatment of bullying as an objective risk, though always in the labor courts rather than the
criminal courts. (M. Caprile, 2002) As we can see, bullying is not only a big factor in the United
States, but also in other places, like Spain.
There is not really a date to when the very first bullying event happened. All we know is
that it goes way back to when the cavemen still roamed the surface of the earth. The 2006 death
of 13-year-old Megan Meier prompted Missouri lawmakers to update state harassment law
earlier this year so that it now covers bullying and stalking done through electronic media, like e-
mails or text messages. (B. Taylor, 2008) This was one of the first cases of online bullying that
occurred leading to suicide of a young girl. Online bullying, or known as cyber bullying is
another form of bullying, but that is a different topic in this paper.
What are some factors that help prevent bullying?
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Bullying in schools is a long standing problem. Throughout the years, there have been
many presentations, meetings, shows, commercials and a few movies based on the events of
bullying and the different ways to prevent them. Teaching respect is at the root of bullying
prevention. When kids are taught to treat others with respect, they are less likely to engage in
bullying behavior. But when kids are not taught that everyone has value and that everyone
deserves respect, they are more likely to engage in mean girl behavior, physical bullying,
relational aggression and cyberbullying.
Whole-school interventionsprograms that battle bullying on multiple frontshave
produced better results. Schools adopt and enforce new, strict rules against bullying and follow
through with consequences for those who disobey. In addition, schools may offer teacher
training, new anti-bullying curricula for students, anti-bullying information for parents, and
individual counseling for kids. (G. Dewar, 2008-2014) Nowadays, in schools they offer a
mandatory hazing meeting for student athletes. A hazing meeting is where the student athletes,
coach, and student athlete parents meet to go over rules on hazing, which is another term for
bully. Having these meetings before the season of the sport begins allows the parents and the
student athletes to be informed about the hazing and the consequences given if failed to follow
the hazing guidelines.
Schools also have presentations on bullying several times a year. The presentation covers
the different types of bullying that there is, how it is done, and what can be done to prevent it. It
is always good to talk to a teacher, counselor, or faculty member when one is feeling down or
sad. These members in the school are there to help. Talking to someone will definitely help in
the situation. It helps get the word out to seek help. Many student though, are always scared to
Bullying: A Review of the Literature 7

speak up, due to threats received. Speaking up is the key. It may not be a teacher or a faculty
member, but it can always be someone at home, like a parent, sibling, or an outside family
member. Its best with someone you trust.
Some may think that avoiding the problem will fix things, when it can just turn worse. If
the bully cannot reach you verbally or physically, they bully can reach you through technology.
This is when the cyber bullying occurs.
Workplace bullying is characterized by persistent and repeated negative behavior directed
at an employee that creates a risk to health and safety. At work, there are also meetings
concerning hazing and the acts of bullying. Check whether your employer has a policy and
complaint resolution procedure for workplace bullying. It may be available in the organizations
induction package for all new employees, or it may be included in the in-house newsletters or
displayed on notice boards. (Dealing With Workplace Bullying, 2012) Many jobs, in their
employee handbook, have a section that has to do with mistreatment from coworkers and what to
do if it is to occur.
A workplace policy sets the standards of behavior at a workplace and makes a clear
statement that bullying behavior will not be tolerated. Workplace procedures set out how issues
will be dealt with if they are reported or come to the attention of the employer (or their
representative). (Work safe Agents, 2012) Policies are an important role in the workplace, and
are to be followed at all times. Being able to have these surely can help prevent such act, but
doesnt mean itll stop it. It is important to have meetings as well to discuss the problems one
may be facing, and for someone who might be a victim to have the courage to speak to their
manager, supervisor, boss or to whomever is in charge of the facility.
Bullying: A Review of the Literature 8

Some employees do not know who to go to for these types of problems. They let
everything build up inside them and makes them suffer more. Everyone, no matter where or
when, should know that there is always that on person that will be there to listen and help.
What are the effects/ consequences?
Consequences? Yes there are consequence to being a bully. The students have pleaded
not guilty, but according to police reports, the five teens who allegedly planned the attack had
complained of being picked on and called names. A note found by a janitor at the school spoke
of getting everyone back for calling us names and beating us with ugly sticks. (ABC News,
2012) Some victims, like in this case, got bullied by their peers, and couldnt handle it anymore.
These kids wanted to kill people, people who bullied them. Their pain got out of control that they
became who they are not.
Those bullies who are caught, have to pay the price. When it comes to bullies who are in
school, and bully their peers, can either be put in detention, have a phone call to his/her parents,
be suspended, or even be expelled. In every school, there is a school policy that explains that
bullying someone will not be tolerated and will have its consequences. Bullying or harassment,
like other forms of aggressive and violent behaviors, interferes with both a schools ability to
educate its students and a students ability to learn. All administrators, faculty, staff, parents,
volunteers, and students are expected to refuse to tolerate bullying and harassment and to
demonstrate behavior that is respectful and civil. (Anti-Bullying Policy, 2010)
For those in the workplace, the bully who is preying on other employees, can either be
written up, suspended, and/or fired. If an employee is fired because he/she has been bullying
Bullying: A Review of the Literature 9

others, it might be difficult for that individual to find another job. The consequences in the
workplace are slightly different from the ones for kids in schools, because a kid can move to a
different school, but for an employee to get fired and having to find another job, will be difficult
to do. Difficult because if the employer decides to contact the employees past jobs, the
supervisor to explain how he was will bring up that he/she got fired to do bullying others in
his/her workplace.
Targets of bullying experience significant physical and mental health problems:
Reduced self-esteem, musculoskeletal problems, work withdrawal and sickness absence, sleep
and digestive disturbances, increased depression/self-blame, family tension and stress, high
stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and financial problems due to absence.
(Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, 2011) All these listed are some of the
effects/consequences that the victim of the bully may encounter. These may seem like it is not
much, but when dealing with and feeling this, it is a heavy weight on ones shoulders. All this
weight will eventually collapse on the individual, making him/her weak, causing them to begin
having negative thoughts about self-harm and even suicide. Suicide is the worst
consequence/effect one may have. This needs to be prevented.
What are the different views on bullying?
Everyone has their own view of what they think bullying is, who the targets are, and what
is does. A survey taken by 31 people were asked to write down what they thought bullying was.
More than half answered picking on others or physically or emotionally hurting someone. Is
this what is really is? Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children
that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential
Bullying: A Review of the Literature 10

to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors,
attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose.
(StopBullying.gov) This definition is towards bullying in schools and amongst children.
Workplace bullying occurs when an employee experiences a persistent pattern of
mistreatment from others in the workplace that causes harm
.
Workplace bullying can include
such tactics as verbal, nonverbal, psychological, physical abuse and humiliation.
(WorkplaceBullying.org) This definition is for the workplace. It is very similar to school and
children bullying. Some people may view them as the being the same, but what they dont see is
how its done and dealt with. With all these different views, it is good to discuss them.
Yes, picking on someone is considered bullying, but theres always more than just
picking on someone. There is always more than that. It all starts off by picking on someone
though. Once the bully finds out the victim is weak, he/she keep attacking for their own pleasure.
It all builds up. The picking on is like building a blue print on them. Once they find out what is
weak about the victim or what is most hurtful, they begin to build up their power on them, and it
goes on from there. It is the same way in the workplace, the same procedure.
Our views are very important and our thoughts as well. It is also important to be
concerned about this topic. There are those people who view it as boys will be boys or girls
dont bully or the common words will not hurt you. Views like these are what is keeping
society from helping those victims and from finding a positive solution to this issue. Boys will
be boys is not true. Boy is just a term to distinguish male from female. It does not mean a type
or a group. Boys act in different ways, not the schema of them being aggressive and mean to
others. Girls dont bully is certainly a great big lie. Girls do as a matter of fact bully. Girls
Bullying: A Review of the Literature 11

bully other girls, boys and whomever they can feel overpowered to. Words will not hurt you
indeed needs to be overthought. Words do harm people. It may seem like they dont, but they
really do. Words can be as painful as a dagger stabbing through ones heart. Words DO KILL
people.
What are the different types of bullying?
Bullying ranges in a few areas. Some people do not know of the many types of bullying
that there is and how it can be done. Some can be done in secret, without anyone knowing, and
some where everyone will know. There are four common types of bullying. Its important to
identify which type of bullying is impacting your child or yourself so you can understand what is
happening to them/yourself, and what you can do to help your child/yourself. There is the basic
verbal bullying. There is also physical bullying, social and emotional bullying and cyber
bullying. Not many people know the different types of bullying that there really is. This graph is
from a survey created based on this paper.

Do You Kow The Differetn Types of Bullying?
Do Know Do Not Know
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Verbal bullying is the most common one that occurs. Verbal bullying includes name-
calling, insults, teasing, intimidation, homophobic or racist remarks, or verbal abuse. Name
calling would be like, nerd or ugly or stupid etc. Insults include calling someone by being
stupid, dumb, and ugly, failure, etc. Teasing would be like making fun of the smart kids in class
or the ones who are shy. Intimidation would be to pressure someone to do things one does not
want to do or to do bad things in order to not get hurt. Racist remarks would be like calling an
African-American black or making fun of a Jewish person.
Physical bullying can be very harmful. It happens often to those who seem weak, who
cant defend themselves or to disabled people. This includes hitting, kicking, tripping, pinching,
pushing, shoving, and/or damaging property. Physically hurting someone, whether or not it is
bullying, is still wrong. There are kids who physically abuse of disabled kids who cant defend
themselves because they know that they will win in every battle with them. There are employees
who physically hurt other employees because he/she dislikes the other or because maybe of
jealousy or envy.
Social and Emotional bullying is one of the top bullying areas to control from being done.
This is also called "relational bullying", includes behavioral actions designed to harm a childs
reputation or cause humiliation, like lying and spreading rumors, negative facial gestures,
playing mean jokes to embarrass or humiliate a child, mimicking the child in a mean way,
encouraging social exclusion of a child, etc. The emotional side of a person is very delicate. It
can be hurt instantly. Spreading rumors about someone is not correct. It may ruin their reputation
that they are seeking or just ruin their own being. Humiliating a person is just as bad as a punch
Bullying: A Review of the Literature 13

to the face. It hurts the same and it causes the same damage. Some bullies are mean and heartless
enough to tell a person to end their life or kill yourself to another person.
The last type of bullying that there is, is Cyber bullying. This includes taunting or
humiliation through social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) or the Internet, cruel websites
targeting specific youth, humiliating others while playing online games, verbal or emotional
bullying through chat rooms, instant message or texting, posting photos of other youth on rating
websites, etc. Cyber bullying has become the thing and is how most victims are being bullied.
Many victims of cyber bullying have ended their lives due to too much taunting and humiliation.
This has been the worst type of bullying due to the suicide cases that have been released.
Messaging through Facebook and texting have become a big problem. Now it is hard to have a
social media site account and not receive at least one message that is not mean nor rude. The
internet became a field to prey on innocent souls and torment their lives.
Conclusion
This bullying era that we are beginning is going to be a very hard one to end. Bullying
will be around forever. It may ease up, it may not. To prevent it from happening may not ever
happen, but we may keep trying to enforce it from not happening. Protecting our kids and
ourselves will have to become more important, knowing that there is someone that might bully
you. Although this topic will forever be around, and in many cases be extremely dangerous, it
still has to continue to be studied. There are no other words that can be said. This is dangerous,
and becoming more and more dangerous as the days go by.

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References
Oshea, J. (March 2010) Abuse: Domestic Violence; Workplace and School Bullying, published
Cork, Ireland.
Rayner, C. (November 2003) Workplace Bullying: what we know, who is to blame, and what
can we do? Published, London, New York.
Caprile, M. (August 2002) First case of bullying brought in criminal courts, Eiroline
www.eurofound.europa.eu.eiro/2002
Taylor, B. (December 2008) First cases filed under online bullying laws, SFGate
www.sfgate.com/nation/article/first-cases/2008
Dewar, G. Ph.D. (2008-2014) How to prevent bullying: An evidence-based guide, Parenting
Science www.parentingscience.com/howto-prevent-bullying/2011
Government of South Australia (2012) Dealing with workplace bullying: A practical guide for
employees. Published in South Australia.
Worksafe Agents (October 2012) Workplace Bullying: Prevention and Response. Published in
Denver, Colorado.
ABC News (November 2012) Tragic Consequences of Bullying in School
www.abcnews.go.com/2020/story-bullying
Michigan State Board of Education (November 2010) Anti-Bullying Policy to be Enforced.
Published in Michigan
Bullying: A Review of the Literature 15

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (2011) Workplace bullying and Disruptive
behavior. Published in Washington.
Bullying Definition www.stopbullying.gov/definition
The WBI Definition of Workplace Bullying www.workplacebullying.org/definition/bullying-
work