The point of view of children of primary school on bullyism

Abstract

The term “bullying” denotes aggressive, harassing, offensive, physical, verbal or relational behaviours, intentionally and repeatedly implemented by one or more subjects (bullies) towards one or more victims, who are unable to react and / or ask for help. Acts of bullying are already present in Italian primary schools and it is therefore important to launch awareness-raising and prevention initiatives on the subject to accompany children towards broader projects in order to promote citizenship. The aim of the research was to explore the perceptions and opinions, on the above antisocial behaviours and bring out useful suggestions from the children to deal with bullying situations in the classroom. As for the bullie is described as one who feels strong and does not feel guilty about their actions, who takes pleasure in doing harm, thinking that the victim deserves it. The victim is perceived as a subject who lives his situation with strong inner discomfort (he is sad, suffers, feels humiliated), is isolated and does not react and does not seek help for fear of the consequences. Children have an understanding attitude towards victims and invite them not to bear in silence and share what happens to them with the teacher and parents (their own and the bully). The victims should also try to react (but without violence) and take courage, while having an educational attitude towards bullies; however they would not exclude a punishment, that is usually delegated to the teacher.