support group approach - from age 9

A support group is formed for the bullied pupil made up of those involved in the bullying, and bystanders. Responsibility for change lies with the participants in the bullying. The first aim is to get the bully to identify with the victim, and the second to help resolve the problem. There are several steps: 

• the group’s facilitator chats with the victim and a support group of around 6-8 pupils is set up. As well as pupils involved in the bullying, friends of the victim can take part;
• with the victim’s agreement, their own feelings are communicated to the group. The facilitator makes clear that the purpose is to take joint responsibility and find a solution. Suggestions on how to help are sought, but the key aim is a joint commitment to take action;
• each group member is interviewed individually a week later to review progress and report back on their contribution to resolving the problem. The bullied pupil is also interviewed. Whilst some group members might not have kept fully to their good intentions, the main criterion for success is that the bullying has stopped.

Over a two year period, 80% of cases in primary schools were dealt with successfully without a delay by this method. In 14% of cases, three to five weekly reviews were needed before the bullying stopped. The victim continued to experience bullying only in 6% of cases. Results in secondary schools were similar. For further information, see the publication by Young. (see curricular approaches to bullying section)

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