Bullying affects a significant number of school
children in the United States. Great concern for teaching
children about bullying is apparent in the number of picture
books published with bullying themes. The following study
is a content analysis of how bullies and victims are por￾trayed in picture books suitable for preschoolers. Many of
the stories offered a way for children to vicariously expe￾rience and even rehearse what they would do in situations
where there is no adult to intervene. Findings showed that
bullies were twice as likely to be male; however, sex of
victims in picture books was evenly split between males
and females. While teasing and name calling was the most
prevalent type of bullying portrayed, female perpetrators
were just as likely to physically bully their victims as male
perpetrators. Findings also reveal a strong emphasis on
victims’ feelings and reactions. Absent was meaningful
representation of why bullies bullied, instead placing the
responsibility of stopping the bullies on the victims. While
nearly every story had a happy ending, bullying was treated
overall as an inevitable reality for children.

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Tersedia

• Portrayals of Bullying: A Content Analysis of Picture Books for Preschoolers

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