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Abstract
Bullying is an intentional aggressive behavior, involving imbalance of power. Bullied children are at risk for chronic multiple risks, social, emotional, and behavioral problems. Resilience is a positive predisposition towards difficulties, despite adverse experiences. It strengths self esteem and empowers students to face adversities.
The main goal of this research was creating safer learning environment for students. Specific objectives were detecting bullying incidence in Brazilian schools, teachers’ reaction to the aggressions and implement anti bullying programs, based on encouraging resilience in children.
255 children and teenagers, from both sexes, from public and private schools (8–16 years old) and 10 teachers filled a Bullying and Resilience Questionnaire. Discussions between teachers and students started activities designed to promote participants’ resiliency skills, reduce bullying behavior and create safer classroom environments.
Results reported 62% victims, 11% bullies and 27% expectators. 8% from Teachers demonstrated confusion to identify bullying and the one’s involved on the situation. Bullying happens in private and public schools in similar intensity. It’s more reported in children, than adolescents and the verbal teasing is the frequented form of victimization, followed by physical aggressions. According to gender, girls also reported bullying, but it’s in a hidden form. 4 months post-treatment, changes were seen in resilience acquisition, bullying reduction and differences based on gender.
Bullying is a pervasive, serious problem. These research findings must be disseminated to practitioners, schools and students to help victims coping with bullying. For those who are not naturally resilient, it’s necessary to teach competencies associated with resilience.