Exploring the Views of Students and School Management on Bullying in Ghanaian Senior High Schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis

Abstract

The study explored the views of students and school management on the incidence of bullying and its effects on students‘ academic performance as well as their social life in some selected SHSs in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Guided by the descriptive cross-sectional survey research design, the study employed both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods to collect data from 390 students and 10 teachers in management positions in five selected SHSs. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 5 schools from the Metropolis while stratified and simple random sampling technique was used to select the student respondents from Form 1, Form 2 and Form 3. Also, purposive sampling technique was used to select the staff participants for the interviews. The study found kicking, slapping, pushing and kneeling as common acts of bullying in the schools. Furthermore, the study established that bullying occurs several times in a week in most SHS. It was concluded from the students‘ point of view that bullying did not have any impact on their academic performance and their social life as well. However, teachers were of the view that bullying wasted students‘ time, made students timid and also feel intimidated during their stay in the school which in turn affect their academic performance. Finally, the study noted that management of SHSs in the Cape Coast Metropolis had laid down rules and regulations to deter students from indulging in any form of bullying. This notwithstanding, it is recommended that the Ghana Education Service should formulate an overarching antibullying policy to form a base for management of the SHS to formulate their unique anti-bullying policies. Education on the concept of bullying should be intensified to create awareness.