CMY2603
Assignment 1 semester 1 & 2 2021
Question 1
According to Olweus (1994: 1172) bullying can be defined as "the negative actions of
one or more persons repeatedly and over time". It encompasses direct actions (hitting,
kicking and punching) or indirect actions (spreading rumours, ignoring someone and
social exclusion) (Liang, Flisher & Lombard 2007: 162; Mncube & Harber, 2013: 8).
Popp, Peguero, Day and Kahle (2015: 2) refer to bullying as a systematic and recurring
type of aggression by more powerful peers toward weaker individuals. Girls are more
prone to experiencing indirect bullying, while boys usually fall victim to direct bullying.
The act of bullying is characterised by six defining factors (De Wet 2005: 82; Neser,
Ovens, Van der Merwe, Morodi & Ladikos 2003: 129):
Intent to harm, with the bully finding pleasure in taunting others
Intensity and duration, in that bullying continues over a longer period of time
Exercising of power over the victim because of the bully's age, size, strength or
gender
Selection of victims who appear vulnerable due to their apparent inability to defend
themselves
Lack of support experienced by the victim, causing underreporting of incidents of
bullying
Long-lasting consequences, such as the victim withdrawing from school activities
Assignment 1 semester 1 & 2 2021
Question 1
According to Olweus (1994: 1172) bullying can be defined as "the negative actions of
one or more persons repeatedly and over time". It encompasses direct actions (hitting,
kicking and punching) or indirect actions (spreading rumours, ignoring someone and
social exclusion) (Liang, Flisher & Lombard 2007: 162; Mncube & Harber, 2013: 8).
Popp, Peguero, Day and Kahle (2015: 2) refer to bullying as a systematic and recurring
type of aggression by more powerful peers toward weaker individuals. Girls are more
prone to experiencing indirect bullying, while boys usually fall victim to direct bullying.
The act of bullying is characterised by six defining factors (De Wet 2005: 82; Neser,
Ovens, Van der Merwe, Morodi & Ladikos 2003: 129):
Intent to harm, with the bully finding pleasure in taunting others
Intensity and duration, in that bullying continues over a longer period of time
Exercising of power over the victim because of the bully's age, size, strength or
gender
Selection of victims who appear vulnerable due to their apparent inability to defend
themselves
Lack of support experienced by the victim, causing underreporting of incidents of
bullying
Long-lasting consequences, such as the victim withdrawing from school activities
