School based bullying in Ireland-a cause for concern? a review of research from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland

Both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have, over the last 20 years, changed dramatically in response to a range of economic, political and social factors. One area of continuing social concern within both countries is that of bully/victim problems among school pupils. The present aim was to provide a review of research on the prevalence and social-psychological correlates of bully/victim problems among school children within both countries. Data are presented from a total of 15 studies located in Northern Ireland and 13 studies located in the Republic of Ireland. The findings suggest that, across a range of samples, measures, and sub-types of bullying behaviours, bully/victim problems among school children continues to remain a problem in schools across Ireland. The social-psychological consequences are considerable.