Bullying as a social phenomenon in the youth environment

Abstract

The article examines the problems of such a social phenomenon as bullying among youth. The issue of relationships in a group, especially during the period of maturing and active development of personality, is very relevant. These relationships are not always constructive and aimed at cooperation: there are often situations of aggression that accompany the communication process in the group. One type of such aggressive behaviour is bullying, the manifestations of which are studied in this work. The authors have conducted a research using a quantitative method (questionnaire survey in 82 constituent entities of the Russian Federation) and qualitative methods (focus groups and project sessions). The most common forms of bullying have been identified. The authors have determined the subjects that, according to the respondents, should provide assistance to victims of bullying and the provocateurs of bullying (among whom are not only aggressors, but also victims). At the same time, as the research results show, new questions have arisen regarding the issue of the phenomenon, both terminological (what does modern youth understand by bullying) and socio-psychological (what are the similarities and differences between the aggressor, provocateur, victim), which will be solved at the next research stages.

Keywords

• bullying
• social phenomenon
• youth
• aggression
• aggressor
• psychological bullying
• victim
• provocateur