The Effects of Bullying on Teenage Girls in Swaziland High Schools

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics that make teenage girls vulnerable to bullying in high schools in the Manzini region of Swaziland. It determined how personality traits of victims of different parenting styles contribute to adolescent girls being bullied. The findings of the study revealed that bullying is very rife in schools and that teenage girls experience various types of bullying from their peers. The study concluded that as a result of bullying, the victims experienced a significant drop in school performance. Most of the victims were brought up by authoritative parents and they know how to fend off bullies and are able to respond assertively during confrontations of any kind. The study recommended that school children need to be conscientised about the possibilities of bullies in their midst. There is also need for parents to open up to their children and ensure them that matters reported to them would be handled with care.