Bullying in schools – or bullying schools?

Most writing about bullying sees the problem as bullying children having a stronger tendency to be nasty than other children, or that victims of bullying somehow present a more inviting target, perhaps through irritating or unusual behaviour, or some obvious weakness or difference. Difference between children is natural and to be expected. Whether the difference is behavioural, physical or in ability, the human diversity in any group of pupils cannot explain the high levels of bullying in schools compared to other institutions, otherwise we’d have reduced bullying levels much more effectively than we have done. Understanding the complexities of bullying within schools is essential for teaching assistants to support pupils and personally contribute to a nonoppressive environment.