PRIMARY SCHOOL LEARNERS’ UNDERSTANDING AND EXPERIENCES OF BULLYING

This study aims to explore learners’ understanding of the different types of bullying as well as the extent of their exposure to various forms of bullying. As a result, the research question is: What is the primary school learners’ understanding and experiences of bullying? This study is based on the Olweus Method (1985), which offers a theoretical framework that could assist the researcher to explore the roles of the bully, victim and bystander. The study has an initial quantitative method in which concepts are tested by means of a questionnaire for learners, followed by a qualitative method involving interviews with a focus group on their experiences in relation to bullying. During the analysis phase, the questionnaire responses were counted and percentages calculated to determine general trends. Thereafter, qualitative data was analysed systematically and organised into patterns and themes with the intention to propose some recommendations that might assist teachers in their efforts to create safe classrooms