The Impact of a Detrimental Bullying Environment in Schools on Students' Behaviour and Academic Performance Case of study : 4th grade middle school students

Abstract

Bullying is a pervasive issue that continues to plague schools across the globe, and middle school is often a critical period where this behavior manifests. Middle school bullying can take various forms , including physical , verbal and social aggression. The purpose of this dissertation is to look into the effects of a negative school bullying environment on learners’ behavious and academic performance and achievements. This research uses mixed-methods approach. Data is gathered using two instruments : a questionnaire for students and interviews with teachers and students. This study includes 86 students from various classrooms and four interviewees Including two students and two teachers from the same middle school. The results of the data collection indicate that a bullying-prone environment in schools has a negative impact on students’ behaviour , including lowering self-esteem, causing loneliness, mental health problems, aggression, and self-harm. It also has a negative impact on students’ academic performance by lowering motivation, concentration and attention, which results in absenteeism, which impacts students’ grades and academic achievements. Schools need to instill excellent principles and run awareness programs to lessen this occurrence.