Bullying in boy's residential settings

Abstract

The present study explores bullying in boys' residential settings in Malta. The focus of the study refers to the extent of bullying and subjects'; perceptions of bullying activities. The study also attempts to use the research subjects' reports to identify the characteristics of the victim and perpetrator, the location and frequency of bullying, and forms of victimisation. The research method used involved the administration of semi-structured interviews. This information was obtained through interviews of boys aged 9 to 13 residing on voluntary placement in two different residential settings in Malta. Data was also collected from the Heads of Care of each Home. The results of the study show that children in both residential settings were subject to, or were perpetrators of bullying. Results also demonstrate that some of the reasons that may predispose children in care to bullying are their family background and behavioural models that they may have learned at home. Forms of bullying reported by the research subjects relate to ostracising, verbal and physical bullying and menacing. Recommendations on the prevention and intervention of bullying in residential settings are presented as a conclusion to the study.