“Hotspots” for bullying: Exploring the role of environment in school violence

Bullying is a chronic and ubiquitous problem that has ignited concern about children’s safety at school. Most studies completed thus far have focused on the interpersonal psychological characteristics of bully and victim, but little has been examined regarding common locations or hotspots for bullying. This study found location to be of import in that hotspots can be identified at each school and differ with regard to gender and grade. Schools can prevent and intercede more effectively with bullying if they can identify their particular hotspots, target those specific locations, and educate school personnel. Our full development of this area has yet to be achieved. Research is critically needed, in order to further understand hotspots, their relation to types of bullying behaviors, and their implication for prevention of bullying.