Citation

Wong DS. Int. J. Offender Ther. Comp. Criminol. 2004; 48(5): 537-553.

Affiliation

Department of Applied Social Studies, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0306624X04263887

PMID

15358929

Abstract

In view of the rising problem of school bullying in Hong Kong, scholars have endeavored to study the prevalence, causes, and tackling strategies of school bullying. This article highlights some typical incidences of school violence and reports research results of school bullying. It is noted unresolved school bullying problems are often a precursor of school violence and delinquency. Based on results from local studies of bullying, this article identifies risk and protective factors that contribute to the emergence and continuation of the bullyvictim problem in Hong Kong. The article argues that suppressive tactics, such as reprimanding bullies, calling parents to school, and suspension, are ineffective. Other than suppressive tactics, adopting a comprehensive antibullying strategy such as assisting students to develop adequate self-competency, strong social skills, and good relationships with parents and teachers seems to be a useful antiviolence strategy.