Students' experience of bullying in schools: a case study of Nsangi secondary school in Wakiso district

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore students’ experience of bullying in schools with focus on Nsangi secondary school in Wakiso district. The study specifically aimed to find out the reason as to why bullying takes place in school, to explore the effects of bullying on secondary school students and to find out the teachers role in the prevention of bullying among students in Nsangi secondary school. The study was purely qualitative in nature with a total of twelve participants who were selected purposively from Nsangi secondary school to participate in the data collection process. Data were collected using face-to-face in-depth interviews with the primary participants. In addition, key informants interviews were conducted with the head teacher as well as the senior man these provided vital information on students’ behaviors regarding bullying. The first objective of the study was to find out the reason as to why bullying takes place in school. In this objective, the findings revealed peer pressure, the need for social attention, forming sexual relations between male and female students as well as failure to regulate emotions among students. The second objective was to explore the effects of bullying on secondary school students, based on this objective the study revealed low self-esteem poor performance in class as well as physical illness among students. The final objective was to find out teachers role in the prevention of bullying among students in Nsangi secondary school. Under this objective the study showed emotional support, punishment, clear and functional anti bullying policies which are necessary to prevent bullying among secondary school students. Finally, I recommend the enforcement of rules and regulations that prevent bullying among students, when these rules are enforced students will be guided on how to relate with other students as well as building positive relationships and friendships and also the need for creating a co-operative learning space is key in addressing the realities teachers are confronted with that include challenging their own beliefs, experiences, perspectives, fears and anxieties related to bullying. It will be helpful to co-operate with educators to deal with bullying behaviors among students.