Is bullying usually carried out by an individual or group?

Over 16,000 children in Strathclyde, Scotland were asked about bullying in school. Their answers revealed that in primary school it was more likely that bullying would be carried out by an individual rather than a group. This was true for both girls and boys. However in secondary it was more likely for bullying to be carried out by a group rather than an individual. Again this was true for boys and girls.
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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A McLean (about 1994) 'Bullyproofing Our School: what do the pupils think?', unpublished report.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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