The present study investigates the reactions children show
when witnessing
victimization. It was carried out with 968 children from 59
kindergartens, in
which victimization occurred. Effects of age and gender are
found on both behaviour
supporting the bully and behaviour supporting the victim, as
well as
helpless behaviour. Moreover, witnessing behaviour varies as
a function of
bully/victim role: Bullies display more behaviour supporting
the (actual) bully;
children usually not involved in bullying show more behaviour
supporting the
victim; and passive victims exhibit more helplessness. Behaviour
in the classroom
is also related to witnessing reactions: High levels of aggression
in the classroom
are associated with more reactions supporting the bully, whereas
more reactions
supporting the victim are found in groups with higher levels
of positive
conflict solving. The role
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