Bullying among children and young people is a significant problem in New Zealand. A study conducted in 2008 by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement, found that bullying incidents in New Zealand schools were more than 50 percent higher than the international average (Martin, Mullis & Foy, cited in Cushman & Clelland, 2011). In a 2008 national survey of 9 to 13 year olds, 72 percent reported either experiencing of witnessing bullying at school (Carroll-Lind, Chapman & Raskauskas, 2008, cited in Cushman & Clelland, 2011).
This literature scan briefly outlines what is currently known about bullying; what some of the long and short term effects of bullying are and briefly summarises current school-based approaches to bullying. The aim of this literature scan is to introduce some of the main principles that underpin school-based approaches, in order to inform community providers. It will also provide recommendations to encourage community providers to develop complementary initiatives that will assist with the reduction and prevention of bullying in New Zealand.