Who do children tell when they are being bullied?

Over 16,000 children in Strathclyde, Scotland answered questions about bullying. It was found that Primary 5 pupils were more likely to tell their parents than their teachers about bullying. In P6/7, the children were still more likely to tell their parents than their teachers, but it had become less common to tell either parents or school staff. Both girls and boys became less likely to confide in their parents or school as they moved up into secondary school, but the reluctance was particularly evident in boys. It was suggested that this drop might have something to do with the increased importance of the peer group at this time.
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Article details

A McLean (about 1994) 'Bullyproofing Our School - what do the pupils think?', unpublished report. Reference copy held by the Anti-Bullying Network. This article can be viewed here.
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Author details

At the time of this study, Alan McLean was Principal Psychologist based at the Education Department Psychological Service in the former Strathclyde Regional Council. His particular interests in the area of bullying include: links between bullying and motivation; the thinking processes and self-esteem of the bully.

He can be contacted at by email.
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