An Examination of the Discrepancy Between Teachers' and Students' Perceptions of the Prevalence of Bullying in an Australian Primary School

Abstract

The study identified and analysed the perceptions of students and teachers concerning the prevalence of bullying in one Australian primary school. Perceptions were identified utilising a mixed methods approach. Four teachers and 89 students completed questionnaires following which three teachers participated in focus group discussions. Findings established that a discrepancy existed between between the students and teachers perceptions of the exposure of 89 Year 3 and 4 students to peer victimisation. The identification of high levels of bullying in the school precinct was consistent with many other studies on this topic. This study supported the findings of a previous 2007 study in fiinding that the teachers in the group underestimated the number of students exposed to peer victimisation. However, this study was unique in including the perceptions of Year 3 students.