The project gaps in bullying research by exploring how students defend peers, what strategies they use, and how these behaviors change over time. The project follows the same group of students in grades 4–6 for three years, with data collected twice annually. Participating schools receive feedback, lectures, and support tailored to their needs, while contributing to new knowledge that can help reduce bullying and foster safer school environments. Funded by the Swedish Research Council, the project is conducted by Linköping University, Kristianstad University, Queen’s University, Canada, and the anti-bullying organization Friends.
Defending bullied peers in different ways
The research project provides new knowledge about how students defend each other in bullying situations and how schools can strengthen students’ willingness and ability to defend.
