Understanding School Bullying
Its Nature and Prevention Strategies
- Peter Smith - University of London, UK
'This extraordinarily comprehensive book authored by the leading international authority in the field integrates research, theory and practice on the topic of school bullying. In an already research saturated field Peter Smith’s writing captures the humanity of why this topic strikes such a chord in the community. He reminds us in a thoughtful, practical and caring manner why we must continue to advocate on all levels for those impacted by bullying.'
-Professor Phillip T. Slee, Flinders University, Australia
'Understanding School Bullying offers a refreshingly clear account of the wealth of insights gained over a quarter of a century of research. As Smith’s comprehensive review convincingly shows, much has been learned and much of this has been put to good use in improving children’s wellbeing. This is surely essential reading for any researcher concerned with bullying, childhood or life at school.' -Sonia Livingstone, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK, author of Children, Risk and Safety Online
'Peter Smith’s new book will occupy a prominent place on my bookshelf. It provides a thorough and highly readable discussion of the breadth of research on school bullying. Dr. Smith includes discussions of important challenges related to research on this topic along with an excellent review of important studies and findings. This unique volume has influenced my thinking about the direction of my own research. The book will be an invaluable resource for researchers, consumers of research, and others who seek a research-based understanding of this important topic.' -Sheri Bauman, Ph.D., Professor at University of Arizona
Bullying involves the repeated abuse of power in relationships. Bullying in schools can blight the lives of victims and damage the climate of the school. Over the last 25 years a burgeoning research program on school bullying has led to new insights into effective ways of dealing with it, as well as new challenges such as the advent of cyberbullying.
This new book, by a leading international expert on the topic, brings together the cumulative knowledge acquired and the latest research findings in the area, with a global perspective especially covering research in Europe, North America, Australasia, and Asia. It will appeal to those taking academic courses in psychology, social work, educational psychology, child clinical psychology and psychiatry, and teacher training, but it will also be of interest to parents and teachers.
'Understanding School Bullying offers a refreshingly clear account of the wealth of insights gained over a quarter of a century of research. As Smith’s comprehensive review convincingly shows, much has been learned and much of this has been put to good use in improving children’s wellbeing. This is surely essential reading for any researcher concerned with bullying, childhood or life at school.'
'Peter Smith’s new book will occupy a prominent place on my bookshelf. It provides a thorough and highly readable discussion of the breadth of research on school bullying. Dr. Smith includes discussions of important challenges related to research on this topic along with an excellent review of important studies and findings. This unique volume has influenced my thinking about the direction of my own research. The book will be an invaluable resource for researchers, consumers of research, and others who seek a research-based understanding of this important topic.'
'This extraordinarily comprehensive book authored by the leading international authority in the field integrates research, theory and practice on the topic of school bullying. In an already research saturated field Peter Smith’s writing captures the humanity of why this topic strikes such a chord in the community. He reminds us in a thoughtful, practical and caring manner why we must continue to advocate on all levels for those impacted by bullying.'
Peter K. Smith’s masterful new book is a comprehensive and authoritative, but also clear and readable analysis of the latest national and international researches in the important area of school bullying. For 25 years, Smith has been at the forefront of international research into school bullying. The author of more than 20 books and over 100 research articles, there could be few better qualified to review critically the burgeoning research on school bullying, and this book does not disappoint.
Professor Smith set out to produce an in-depth study of bullying. He achieved this aim. The book opens with an in-depth examination of the definition and language around bullying before moving on to look at risk factors, coping strategies, and actions to reduce its incidence.
The book, with its excellent organisation, simplicity and clarity of language, sensitive analyses and international coverage, is a very important contribution to the school bullying literature... In the end, we would like to state that Peter Smith has well achieved his goals of helping the reader make sense of the ???findings from research in school bullying (spanning multiple decades and countries), and convincing the reader of the necessity of engaging in positive action to make school environments safer, healthier and friendlier for children.?
For a rational and informative overview of the research field, remaining impartial and factual, this is an excellent resource to inform practice and one’s general knowledge of many debates within the arena of bullying research.
I personally found this very heavy on statistics however had some interesting sections to it.
It is essential for trainee teachers to engage with behaviour and classroom management in a more informed and critical way. This book provides important insight, exploring the topic holistically whilst maintaining its accessibility and provides a sound point from which to further explore this essential area of discussion.
EXcellent resource, to support learners undertaking the level 2 and 3 in learning support. Valuable reading for those as TA's.
