The dynamics of learners’ bullying behavior in schools – A case study of selected secondary schools in the O.R. Tambo Inland Education District, South Africa

This research explores the multifaceted nature of bullying behavior in South African schools. Bullying is a systematic and deliberate misuse of power in relationships, involving verbal, physical, or social behaviours intended to inflict physical, social, or psychological harm. To support learners’ social well-being, it is essential to grasp the underlying dynamics of bullying behavior. The underlying causes of school violence and bullying include gender and social norms, and wider contextual and structural factors. To examine bullying behaviour in schools, this paper adopted a positivist paradigm and quantitative approach, prioritizing large-scale data collection to inform evidence-based conclusions. The analysis of primary data reveals that factors such as family, peers, social norms, culture, school climate, educator effectiveness, and parenting styles contribute to learner behavior. Implementing behavior modification strategies and strengthening support systems could mitigate bullying in schools. By strengthening school and district-based support teams with professionals such as psychologists and social workers, schools can promote a bullying-free environment and foster a positive school culture.