AGU's study links bullying and learning difficulties

Manama, May 30 (BNA): A recent study conducted at Arabian Gulf University (AGU) showed a relation between the bullying behaviour and learning disabilities among middle school students in Bahrain. The study was prepared by researcher Fatima Ibrahim as part of the requirements for obtaining a Master of Learning Disabilities from the College of Graduate Studies, AGU. Bullying is defined as a form of violence, harm and abuse that is directed from an individual or a group of individuals to an individual or a group of individuals. It takes the form of harassment, verbal or physical abuse or other violent actions. Bullies follow a policy of intimidation, terror and threats, in addition to ridicule and undermining of others, which leads to fear, anxiety and depression sometimes. The results of the study were based on a sample of 432 male and female students in the lower secondary level. The results indicated that 30% of the students classified in the learning disabilities group exhibited bullying behaviour. The rates of bullying among ordinary students was 19%. Many studies attribute school bullying to the lack of disciplinary policies and clear penalties against bullying behaviour, the lack of conflict resolution programmes in school, and the weak role of student counselling. Many school factors foster bullying behaviour among students, said the researcher, including factors associated with some teachers, such as violent or provocative practices against students, or weakness of character, as well as tension within the school and the resulting frustration within students. The study recommended preparing and providing training courses for teachers working in the lower secondary level in the most effective methods of dealing with students at this stage; preparing workshops for parents of students exhibiting bullying behaviours to raise awareness about the dangers of this issue and help them reduce or eliminate it; organising awareness workshops for students, as well as paying attention to individuals with learning disabilities due to the decline that may be caused in their academic attainment due to bullying behaviour.