Aggression in the Schools

Originally published in 1978, Aggression in the Schools: Bullies and Whipping Boys is widely considered to be the first scientific study of bullying. This was an investigation of a largely hidden and neglected problem in schools at the time – some children, whipping boys, were exposed over long periods of time to violence perpetrated by other children, bullies.

Based on five separate empirical studies involving approximately 1,000 boys 12–16 years old, this book analyzes the alarmingly high percentage of boys who had been classified as either whipping boys or bullies. Some aspects considered include the facets of the aggressive personality and the social-psychological mechanisms that cause several boys to take part in the oppression. Also discussed are the reduction of aggression inhibitions, cognitive changes, the distribution of personality, the role of the school, and the factors that determine predisposition to whipping boy or bully behavior.

Most significantly, a highly comprehensive program of change is proposed, which was based on utilizing the existing social environment of boys. The program consisted of a series of coordinated actions on the part of the school authorities, teachers, educational and school psychologists, welfare officers, pupils, and parents.

This important book led, in part, to the First National Campaign against Bullying in Norway. Today it can be read in its historical context.