Perception and Behavior of Teachers about Teacher Targeted Bullying and its Prevention in Tertiary Education Institutes

Abstract

Purpose: In the past, a number of research studies have been done on bullying, but most of them are in the context of student’s bullying students. The present study highlighted an important issue of teachers being bullied by their students. The purpose of the study was to examine the perception and behavior of teachers about teacher targeted bullying (TTB) and prevention of TTB.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: This study was quantitative in nature. The sample comprised of all public and private tertiary education institutions/ colleges of Lahore. The data was collected from one hundred fifty teachers through cluster sampling technique from six public and private tertiary education institutions/ colleges. A self-developed instrument, comprising of statements on frequency, perception, behavior and preventive measures on teacher targeted bullying was used to collect data from respondents.
 Findings: The results indicate that the teachers’ awareness level about TTB is low. Furthermore, they are also not aware about the types of bullying they are facing. The response of teachers on preventing bullying is also not very positive while very less teachers are prone to take preventive measures to stop or reduce bullying. The tests on demographic variables indicate that there is difference in opinion on basis of age and work experience of teachers towards teacher targeted bullying.
 Implications: Based on results it can be recommended that there is need to aware teachers and administrators about teacher targeted bullying so that they can voice up against it. Additionally, this can also be recommended that the policy clauses should be added and displayed at institutes about teacher targeted bullying.