The Effectiveness of “Undercover Anti-Bullying Teams” as Reported by Participants

Authors

  • John Winslade
    California State University, San Bernardino, CA, USA
  • Michael Williams
    Edgewater College, Auckland, New Zealand
  • Felipe Barba
    California State University, San Bernardino, CA, USA
  • Evelyn Knox
    California State University, San Bernardino, CA, USA
  • Harpreet Uppal
    California State University, San Bernardino, CA, USA
  • Juanita Williams
    California State University, San Bernardino, CA, USA
  • Lorraine Hedtke
    California State University, San Bernardino, CA, USA

Abstract

An analysis of archival data retrieved from a school counselor’s careful recording of student responses during the conducting of 35 “undercover anti-bullying teams” reveals a highly positive qualitative account of the success of these teams. A targeted, non-punitive, restorative process calls forth peer influence to transform the bullying relation in a short time-frame. The bullies are involved in the transformation and the victim is never required to confront the bullies. Student responses show that participants value the chance to help a peer, take up the responsibility of stopping bullying responsibly, and victims are happy with the results.