Citation

Naidoo S, Satorius BK, de Vries H, Taylor M. J. Sch. Health 2016; 86(11): 813-822.

Affiliation

Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2nd Floor, Room 236, George Campbell Building, Howard College, Durban 4041, South Africa. taylor@ukzn.ac.za.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, American School Health Association, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/josh.12439

PMID

27714870

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Bullying behavior in schools can lead to psychosocial problems. School-based interventions are important in raising student awareness, developing their skills and in planning to reduce bullying behavior.

METHODS: A randomized controlled trial, using a school-based educational intervention to reduce verbal bullying, was conducted among grade 10 students in 16 urban and rural schools in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa in 2013. Baseline and postintervention questionnaires, developed using the Integrated Model for Behavior Change theoretical model, were used to assess changes in verbal bullying.

RESULTS: Postintervention there were reduced verbal bullying experiences. Improved social norms and awareness of verbal bullying were associated with reduced verbal bullying experiences and behavior. Although less likely to bully others verbally, girls were more likely to experience verbal bullying. Students with no living father were more likely to bully others verbally.

CONCLUSIONS: The study findings indicate that a school-based intervention can positively impact on verbal bullying experiences and behavior.

© 2016, American School Health Association.

Language: en