School Bullying in Ukraine

Abstract

School bullying is a phenomenon that was once difficult to define and normalized to many; however, this view has changed in recent decades. School bullying is now understood to be the systematic and repetitive abuse of power by one or many individuals over another. It occurs in many forms, directly and indirectly, and involves a breadth of actions that cause serious harm to the victim. The issue of school bullying has spread across the globe to the extent that the United Nations has taken a stance on the matter in its End Violence Against Children initiative after a published report that 24% of Ukrainian children are facing harassment in schools. A review of the literature on school bullying is outlined, including the definition of bullying, prevalence, leading causes, and consequences. Ukraine school bullying prevalence and recommendations are discussed in light of global and national initiatives and actions. Finally, recommendations are offered in relation to what Ukrainian teachers, parents, and students need to know regarding how to prevent and alleviate the psychological, physiological, biological, and social symptoms that often result from school bullying.