School personnel's observations of bullying and victimization among rural elementary and middle school children

School bullying and aggression is recognized as a public health problem and appears to be the most prevalent form of school violence in elementary and middle schools (Olweus, 1993). Bullying behavior among peers has detrimental effects for the bully and the victim as well as others who witness it. Research has shown that children who are involved in school bullying or are victims are at risk of developing problems later in life (Craig, Peters, & Konarski, 1998; Farrington, 1993). The problem is often exacerbated by the fact that family, school and peer culture do not recognize bullying behavior. This paper reports on analysis of data from a community sample of 70 school personnel in three rural elementary and middle schools to better understand the sources and types of bullying occurring as part of a pilot project on prevention of school violence. Transforming the family, school, and destructive peer culture is an important step in intervening and modifying the bullying behaviors. Effective intervention programs are identified.