Assessment of Bullying Incidence among Grade Iv Pupils' of Koronadal Central Elementary School-1: Basis for the Development of Anti-Bullying Program

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Bullying among students in schools is more common than many seem to think. Many believe that at some point in one's life, bullying is inevitable. In schools, particularly in elementary, bullying is a phenomenon that has serious psychological consequences for victims including low psychological well-being, poor social adjustment, psychological distress, and greater risk of developing anxiety and/or depression. In this study, the researcher's ultimate goal is to develop an anti-bullying program pursuant to the laws and orders presented by the Department of Education.

METHODS

This study used Descriptive-Quantitative Method and utilized a researcher made a survey questionnaire. Respondents answered the survey form. Parts of the survey are the demographic profile, bullying profile, effects of bullying, and coping mechanism. The responses of the respondents were analyzed and interpreted. The researcher collated the data in table form. Frequency and percentage were used as a statistical treatment for data analysis.

RESULTS

The study aimed to assess the bullying incidence among pupils in school as the basis for the development of an anti-bullying program. A reliable, validated and pilot-tested researcher-made questionnaire was used to gather data among pupils. The questionnaires elicit data on 1) respondent,s profile; 2) bullying profile in terms of where the bullying happens and the types of bullying; 3) effects of bullying; 4) coping mechanism on bullying experiences; and 5) develop an anti-bullying program. Data suggest that training of teachers need to be increasingly encouraged about the standard/proper way of handling victims of bullying. The researcher's ultimate goal is to develop an anti-bullying program. She hopes that this study would help the school, teachers and future educators to be more aware and to consider various practices on how to address and respond to bullying issues within the campus.

DISCUSSIONS

The results demonstrate the need for careful assessment and planning to fully implement the program in addressing the anti-bullying issues/concerns; incorporate the program on School Monitoring, Evaluation, and Plan Adjustment; intensify the Information Education Campaign on Anti-Bullying Program; sustain the activities stipulated in this program by involving multi-stakeholders; fully implement the 4 phases of the "Hawak-Kamay: An Anti-Bullying Campaign"; and to ensure the sustainability of this initiative.