Kids Who Feel Belonged At School Are Less Likely To Bully Others

There’s a new study that suggests kids who feel like they belong at a school are less likely to bully their peers. As a matter of fact, researchers from the University of Missouri-Columbia have found that kids who feel a greater sense of belonging with their friends, family and their school community are less likely to become bullies.

According to Science Daily, even though there have been extensive efforts to curb the growing bullying problem at schools, one out of three children are still being bullied in one form or another. However, there might be science behind it. That’s because research has found that both environmental and psychological factors might play an important role in minimizing anti-social behavior.

A team of researchers believe that those kids who feel a greater sense of community– both at home and at school– are more likely to be happier. They're also less likely to pick on their peers or display aggressive, anti-social or downright mean behavior. The findings suggest that both teachers and parents should look for ways to create a supportive environment for kids who feel like they are being left behind.

Christopher Slaten and Chad Rose, associate professors in the MU College of Education- along with Jonathan Ferguson, a graduate candidate in the counseling psychology program- analyzed the data that they compiled from over 900 middle school students. Some of the questions they were asked included if they like to upset others “for fun”, or if they liked to spread rumors about their peers. The results founds that those kids who had a better sense of belonging didn’t feel the need to pick on other students.

The researchers suggest that parents look into perhaps increasing ways to help create a children’s sense of belonging both at home and outside. There are several things that moms and dads can do, including organized activities, sports or extra-curricular activities such as school clubs and organizations. Researchers also say that families should look into attending each other’s events and activities together rather than separately. As for teachers, they should consider unique techniques and programs that create a supportive environment for everyone.

"If you have children with varying interests, it might be beneficial to suggest the whole family get together to attend each other's events and activities, even if it doesn't please the whole crowd every time," Slaten said. "By encouraging siblings to support each other, parents can help their children feel like their interests are accepted and that they fit within the family unit."