Peer bullying as a reality from the perspective of educators, its causes, consequences and solution suggestions

The aim of this study is to examine the causes and consequences of peer bullying as a reality from the perspectives of educators and to suggest possible solutions to these problems. This study was organized with a case study design, one of the qualitative research designs. The study group of the research consists of 16 educators determined by snowball (chain) sampling technique. Semi-structured interview technique was used in the study and the data obtained were analyzed with descriptive analysis technique. Accordingly, the participants defined the concept of bullying as pressure, use of brute force, unwanted negative behaviors, power imbalance, manipulation, shaming, exclusion, sarcasm and competition. Participants stated the causes of peer bullying as wrong parental attitude, use of social media and television, peer influence, personal reasons of the student, wrong teacher attitude, economic reasons and the approach of the school administration. Participants expressed the consequences of peer bullying as psychological consequences, sociological consequences, school success, love for school and economic consequences. Participants suggested some things to be done to overcome peer bullying: family, school guidance service, social media and television, teachers, school administration, Ministry of National Education and Directorate of National Education. This study is important in terms of providing information to school administrators, teachers, parents and students by explaining the concepts of bullying and peer bullying. In line with these importance, it is thought that the research on bullying, which negatively affects the education process, will play a role in the emergence of problems and finding solutions to problems, can be a guide for future studies and can fill the gaps in the literature in the related field. Keywords: bullying, peer bullying, education