Browsing by Author "Luukko, Emma"

Bullying in school is regrettably common phenomenon, and many people have been involved to it, either via their own experiences or for example via their child’s experiences. I chose it as a topic for my Bachelor’s thesis because as a future teacher I think it is important to understand how the bullying phenomenon is constructed and what the factors affecting it are. Also, understanding the severity of the consequences and the importance of prevention are essential when trying to create a safe learning environment. My thesis is a literary survey that tries to explain bullying as a phenomenon, its reasons and possible consequences. Actions that try to hurt another person are defined as bullying. It is done repeatedly and it can be physical, verbal or silent. Physical bullying includes for example kicking or hitting, verbal bullying can be calling someone names or threatening. Silent bullying, for example ignoring someone or arrogant treatment, can be hard for outside observer to recognize. Ways of bullying vary between genders. If the victim is somehow different compared to others, it can be one reason for a bully to start bullying. Also the conditions of the bully’s home can affect how the child will learn to treat or appreciate other people. Self-esteem and moral conception can affect the child’s behavior, so the influence of upbringing is significant. In addition to home, also the school has a big role in development of child’s social skills. Bullying does not depend on the personality traits only. Above all bullying in school is a group phenomenon, in which the bully desires power at someone else’s expense. Bullying is a phenomenon against which different preventive plans and actions have been made, but which can cause lifelong consequences regardless.