Conclusions
Based on the available information, bullying within HE is a concern. There appear to be fewer incidences at this level of education than at school, but we cannot yet confidently confirm this impression due to a lack of robust investigations. The dearth of relevant studies may indicate a lack of interest in the area, or a lack of funding. Nevertheless, this research is vital because not only does bullying affect individuals psychologically, but the psychological effects interfere with students’ ability to learn. 50 University also differs in that it is voluntary. There is free will regarding attendance, and the decision to attend university is also made at a developmental period in life where novelty seeking and social engagement are prominent aspects for adolescents( adolescence spans approximately from 12 to 24 years). 51 HE institutions present another unique population to study, whereby the developmental period, as well as the organisational structure of university life, are all likely to impact behaviour differently to the manner in which bullying at school affects children, and workplace bullying affects adults.
It is then necessary to address this research gap and build upon the limited existing research by conducting a systematic and representative investigation into university students’ involvement in bullying in the UK. As much as academic campuses tend to be perceived as safe and isolated from real world problems, complex crimes are unfortunately committed there. 52 In the poignant words of Ian Rivers:‘ The existence of bullying, victimisation, and discrimination in universities and colleges is shaming. It ultimately demonstrates that bigotry exists even in those places where intellect and insight are in abundance’. 53 The issue of bullying in HE can no longer be ignored.
50 Rigby,“ Bullying at School and in the Workplace.” 51 Daniel J. Siegel, Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain( New York: Penguin,
2013). 52 Daniel Lee and Carly Hilinski-Rosick,“ The Role of Lifestyle and Personal Characteristics on Fear of
Victimization Among University Students.” American Journal of Criminal Justice 37( 4)( 2011): 647- 668. 53 Ian Rivers,“ Homophobic and Transphobic Bullying in Universities,” in Bullying Among University
Students, ed. Helen Cowie and Carrie-Anne Myers( Oxon: Routledge, 2016).
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