Bystanding or standing by: Gender issues in coping with bullying in English schools

The effect of peer support systems on users, peer supporters, the whole school, and teachers is discussed in light of an interview study on the experience of being a peer supporter and further analysis of the data collected in a survey on peer support from a range of perspectives. Overall, it is concluded that peer support has benefits for victims of bullying and for the school climate; the peer supporters also benefit from the experience. However, there remain some concerns, notably around gender issues, with boys being significantly underrepresented as peer supporters, and with a substantial number of male victims failing to report the bullying to anyone. The implications of these findings are discussed in light of existing literature in the field. Aggr. Behav. 26:85–97, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.