“Boys will be boys!”: Teachers’ Views on Bullying in Early Years Which Regard to Gender Differences

Problem Durumu Based on Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, what individuals observe in others and in the media becomes acceptable, or the norm behavior (Bandura, 1973). In addition to children’s learning from their peers, they also observe adults such as parents and t eachers to model pro-social or antisocial behaviors. Results of the study conducted by Werner, Senich, & Przepyszny (2006) showed that adults whom children interact at home and outside of home can influence bullying behavior. Additionally, Shaffer (2009) states that young children’s peer relationships are highly guided and structured by the adults in their lives. According to Not ar & Paget (2013), if teachers and parents believed that bullying is deplorable and it is a part of growing up, the more violent bullying potential increases. Moreover, Yoon & Kerber (2003) stated that teachers’ unintended lack of attention and feeble resp onse can reinforce bullying. It is also found that teachers and parents have bias opinions about girls and boys being a bully or victim. In a study done by Spilt, Koomen, Thijs and Stoel (2010), teachers of young children stated that boys show aggressive behavior because it is in their nature. However, in the same study teachers state that it is more alarming when girls show bullying because it is an unexpected behavior for little girls. As conclusion, adults in children’s life play a big role in both creat ing an environment which incites and prevents bullying. Before designing or adopting a bullying intervention programs for young children, it is important to know the current early childhood education teachers’ views on the subject. By conducting this study , it is aimed to getting in-service early childhood education teachers’ views on bullying in addition to investigate their portrayal of bullies and victims in early childhood