Revisiting the Definition of Bullying in the Context of Higher Education

Abstract

This study used a qualitative method to verify the interpersonal interactions that students consider to constitute bullying in higher education. The data came from 58 semi-structured interviews with students and administrators from two public universities in Ghana and one in Norway to show how national differences influence bullying. The broad range of behaviours identified highlighted themes like “inconveniencing”, “exclusion”, “intimidation”, “shaming”, “booing, gossiping, and teasing”, “sexual harassment and unwanted touching, fondling, and kissing”, and “ignoring or facing hostile reactions”. The study found that behaviours students identified as bullying are subtler and are intertwined with everyday interpersonal encounters, making identifying, reporting, and redressing them elusive. Students identified their limited awareness of anti-bullying structures, insufficient deterrence due to a lack of transparency in rule implementation, and noncommitment by authorities as favouring bullying. The study suggests the use of communication about behaviour expectations and a commitment to creating consciousness against bullying to ensure a positive psychosocial learning environment.