Bullying Prevention and Intervention for Children with Disabilities

This report delves into the critical issue of bullying prevention and intervention strategies specifically designed for children with disabilities. It begins with an introduction outlining the research project's description, rationale, significance, aims, and objectives, followed by a detailed literature review exploring the special needs of children with disabilities and the impact of bullying on their abilities. The study investigates various measures for preventing bullying incidents, including the roles of parents, schools, and educational centers. It also examines strategies for intervention in cases of bullying, considering the different types of bullying experiences and the importance of identifying the source of the issue. The report analyzes bullying prevalence, risks, and repercussions, addressing research questions to understand the special needs of disabled children, the impact of bullying, and effective prevention and intervention methods. The research uses a methodology section that includes research matching, proposed investigations, and data collection methods. Finally, the report offers recommendations and areas for justifying based on the data analysis and interpretation, and concludes with the outcomes of the research.

Bullying prevention and intervention strategies
for children with disabilities: Assessing its
prevalence and identifying risk and practice
factors

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TOPIC: “Bullying prevention and intervention strategies for children with disabilities: Assessing
its prevalence and identifying risk and practice factors”.................................................................1
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................1
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW.........................................................................................4
Special Requirement of Children with Disability.................................................................4
Research project specification.........................................................................................................9
Research methodologyand .....................................................................................................9
1.5 Plan and procedure for agreed research specification....................................................11
CHAPTER 3- METHODOLOGY.................................................................................................13
2.1 Research to match efficiently to research question or hypothesis..................................13
2.2 Proposed research investigation in accordance with the agreed specification and
procedures ............................................................................................................................13
2.3 Record and collect relevant data ....................................................................................15
CHAPTER 4- DATA ANALYSIS................................................................................................16
3.1 Appropriate research evaluation techniques ..................................................................16
3.2 Interpretation and analysis of the result in terms of original research specification .....17
3.3 Recommendation and justifying areas ...........................................................................21
CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................21
4.1 Outcomes of research ....................................................................................................21
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................22

TOPIC: “Bullying prevention and intervention strategies for children with
disabilities: Assessing its prevalence and identifying risk and practice
factors”
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Research Project Description
Bullying can be characterized as an aggressive behaviour which is inflicted on the weaker
groups of the society. In the current era it has been witnessed that bullying affects majority of
students in their younger phases of life, however, in the case of disabled children such
humiliation continues throughout the school. This is an activity which is exercised by persons
who purportedly occupy a position which is dominant in nature. This concept shall be
distinguished from the concept of conflict which essentially is a disagreement between two or
more persons, but for it to amount bullying it shall be accompanied by imbalance of power.
It may be undertaken through various modes which could be either by making fun of
others by hitting them or in such manner which causes physical or mental harassment of the
other person. Furthermore, children suffering from disability are prone to bullying at an
increased rate. In accordance to a report disabled children are twenty percent more likely to be
subjected to bullying. Disability could be in physical, intellectual, sensory or emotional form.
The secondary rationale behind an increased rate among disabled children is that the confidence
level is very low and thus, increases the vulnerability level of this category of children. The
bullying which these children are made to go through can vary from a range of activities. Some
of the common instances of bullying are making fun of their disabilities or incompetence to
undertake various tasks.
Rationale of Study
Children with disability are highly sensitive to all the actions and reactions which occur
in their surroundings. Bullying is one of the conducts which make this population of children
suffer serious repercussions in the form of deteriorated physical or mental health. There are
people who have the tendency to enjoy infliction of undue and unfair treatment on the weaker
sections of society. In consequence, the requirement of intervention from the end of guardians
arises in such situation to implement corrective measures. Thus, the need to explore and identify
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various forms of interventions shall be ascertained through this study. Moreover, it has also been
identified that the subject still remains unexplored and there is large scope for the researcher to
review the existing practices. This is turn shall enable the researcher to determine innovative
measures and cater to the needs of this group of society.
1.2 Significance of Study
The study and the findings of research shall hold utmost significance for all the schools
and other institutes which have been witnessing an increased trend of humiliation as well as
harassment of this group of society with special needs. The stakeholders of all these institutes in
the society shall make use of this study to implement all the suitable measures and appropriate
strategies for specifically addressing the issue of bullying. Moreover, with assistance of the
findings of study, the awareness level of society in respect to special needs of the disabled
children shall be enhanced.
Aims and Objectives
Aim
The main aim with which the researcher is conducting the present study is “To ascertain
bullying prevention and intervention strategies for children with disabilities” and further “To
assess its prevalence and identify risks as well as practice factors”. In order to effectively fulfil
the ascertained aims, the researcher shall undertake the research to fulfil the following objectives
:-
Objectives
 To understand the special needs of children with disability.
 To understand the impact which bullying causes on the ability of a disabled child.
 To ascertain different measures for prevention of bullying among children with
disabilities.
 To ascertain strategies being adopted for intervention in cases of bullying children with
disabilities.
 To assess the prevalence of bullyiand ng among children with disabilities
 To ascertain the risks and repercussions of bullying among children with disability
Research Questions
In order to satisfy the aims and objectives of the study in an effective manner the
researcher seeks to answer the following research questions:
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 What are the special needs of children with disability?
 What are the impacts which bullying causes on abilities of a disabled child?
 What are the different measures for prevention of bullying among children with
disabilities?
 What are the strategies being adopted for intervention in cases of bullying children with
disabilities?
 What are the risks and repercussions of bullying on children with disability?
and
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CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
Special Requirement of Children with Disability
The children with disabilities shall be treated with utmost care and sensitivity, to cater to
all their requirements and needs. A child may be disabled in physical, intellectual, sensory or
emotional form. In pursuance to their disabilities arise the need to take special care of these
people and enable to live a satisfied life. It has been observed that this group of society is very
sensitive in nature and lack confidence to tackle different situations in life. Therefore, every
effort shall be made to assure their happiness and increased satisfaction level. One of the
strategies which can be implemented to prevent occurrence of these measures are separation of
these children from other normal children in schools and such other institutes. However, this
approach has been contrasted by Rose and Monda-Amaya (2012) to state that habitation of these
people in isolation shall hamper their overall growth and mental capacity to face varied situation
in life.
In pursuance to the same it is observed that these children if kept isolated from the
normal society, they shall never be able to prepare themselves to face the other portion of the
society which does not these form of special needs. In accordance to Maag and Katsiyannis
(2012) the special needs of disables children is to treat them normally and equal to other
children. Assurance of this special need shall prepare them to fight their disability in the most
effective manner and survive all the odds of life. However, Young, Ne’eman and Gelser (2011)
are of the opinion that this is a utilitarian approach which fails to address a significant portion of
the issues which are faced in daily life.
For instance if a child is physically disabled, he/she shall require assistance in movement
or in accomplishment of different tasks of writing or talking. Thus, it is important for the persons
in-charge to ascertain the special needs of each of such person and enable them to lead a normal
life. In addition, to catering to the needs arising out of disability, it has been observed that the
confidence level of these children is relatively lower. In pursuance to the same, the guardians or
parents or teachers shall assure an effective communication with them to understand their
psychological needs. Thus, it can be stated that a person with disability may have special needs
both in terms of physical or psychological issues.
Impact of Bullying on abilities of a disabled child
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Bullying is one of the most common trends prevalent within the environment of schools.
The most common target of this humiliating activity is the weaker sections of children,
especially those suffering from any form of disability. It may be undertaken through various
modes which could be either by making fun of others by hitting them or in such manner which
causes physical or mental harassment of the other person. In accordance to Sentenac and et. al.
(2011) bullying among disabled children has been on rise as it is generally believed that this
group of people are considered to be weaker. Infliction of these activities in an academic
environment has a direct impact on theiand r learning abilities as well as confidence to deal with
various people existing around them. In consequence, to this form of harassment or humiliation
in schools result in avoidance of school or increase in rate of absenteeism.
The children being victimized make every effort to not be around people who bully them.
They fail to concentrate on their studies, which in turn results into decreased grades. Their focus
is no more on academic achievements, rather their entire efforts are focused on avoidance of
facing people who occupy a dominant position and may bully them. It has also been observed
that these trends have also increased the drop out rates of disabled children and built a fear of
facing people. Moreover, it has been stated by Swearer and et. al. (2012) that bullying is one
such activity which is faced by almost all the children in their childhood.
However, the different lies in the fact that in the case of non-disabled children it does not
continue for lifetime and they have the ability as well as confidence to overcome these fears.
This ability of fighting the fears is much rare in disabled children as they are made to go through
such actions for a prolonged time duration (Chatzitheochari, Parsons and Platt, 2016). In
addition, it has also been observed that in consequence to these activities the other abilities of
disabled child are also subdued to a significant level, which otherwise could have been
undertaken by the concerned person in an effective manner.
Measures for preventing bullying incidents of disabled children
Bullying is just not limited to children dominating children but there are situations when
even young adults or other members of an organisation involved in the process. Slevin and et. al.,
(2014) stated that the way parents behave and socialise has a great impact over the activities of
their children. For instance: A young man has two children, one is crippled by birth and the other
is very healthy. If the healthy child has witnessed his father bullying other individuals especially
the disabled ones then he will also depict the same behaviour towards his brother. Hence, it is
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important for parents to analyse their behavioural aspects and assess the impact every action can
have on their surroundings. According to Rose and et. al., (2015), there has to be some sort of
generosity for individuals who are disabled or have some sort of problem in performing daily
tasks. This can be developed when schools and education centres take the responsibility of
identifying and resolving bullying issues. No child is courageous enough to speak out their
problem unless they have a sign of hope or cure for their problem (Fink, Deighton and Wolpert,
2015). Hence, it becomes the responsibility of adults and seniors to identify and recognise such
cases where a disabled individual is facing a difficulty in coping with current atmosphere.
There are different types of bullying which are experienced by children especially the
disabled ones. Klomek and et. al., (2016) stated that most severe cases are those which cannot be
explained verbally. These cases are of physical violence or intimidation. Often abusers are in
search of an opportunity through which they can hurt or humiliate a disabled and weak child.
Moreover, they are excluded or isolated from social groups and gatherings because of their
disability. The severity of a problem increases when bullying individuals get support and
encouragement for their activities. An effective solution can only be proposed when source of
the issue is identified and treated Limber, Kowalski and Huynh, (2016). The role of teachers and
school authorities in such situations is to develop their programs which are aligned with
communication principles. The children with disabilities must be communicated in the way they
feel comfortable. However, schools which allow people with both abilities and disabilities often
face a difficulty of communication. This results in greater negligence towards the special case
children (Schroeder and et. al., 2014).
According to Houchins, Oakes and Johnson, (2016), physical violence is less brutal than
mental or verbal abuse. When a person experiences verbal abuse, there is a significant impact
which is felt over the mind and mental health. This also reduces efficiencies in depicting
different skills and decisions. The automatic impact is felt over academics and personal life of
the disabled child. However, Repo and Sajaniemi (2015) stated that there is a requirement of
both physical and mental balance to stay healthy. Counselling is a technique which can help in
resolving mental issues. If a child is being bullied by someone in the school or locality, then his
behaviour will drastically change. This change is always negative and deflective from the one
which is normally portrayed by the person. For example, if a child is very talkative and
outspoken but suddenly stops talking or sharing his thoughts and feelings then parents identify it
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as a critical situation. There are chances that he may be addressing some issue. According to (),
proper counselling and attention from parents helps in reducing the impact of violence or abuse
which took place due to bullying (Gini and Espelage, 2014).
It is important to make people aware that bullying is not an integral part of childhood.
Often parents and higher individuals of the society think that if a child is experiencing violence,
abuse or harm in the form of bullying then he/she is being trained for harder circumstances in the
future. But Schroeder and et. al., (2014) has stated that the activities which are concerned as
bullying result in mental disturbances and negative impact over the lifestyle of children. All their
negative and brutal experiences results in decreasing social circles, no social skills and less or no
quality friends. This also depicts that the person becomes more lonely and depressed. Often in
such situations the person turns towards options like suicide or home run. Hence, it is important
for every individual of the society to realise that bullying of children is not an issue to be
ignored. It in fact requires more attention and safeguarding because entire life of an individual is
depended on the experiences and backgrounds of childhood (Chatzitheochari, Parsons and Platt,
2016). It is not necessary that everybody will take the harm and abuse as a challenge to achieve
more in future and become successful.
Every educational organisation and institutions which engage disabled children in some
way or the other has to follow the guidelines and legislations that have been described by the
government. According to RHouchins, Oakes and Johnson, (2016), the legal policies must be
kept strict and fair for every person irrespective of their age and gender. However, there is no
major punishments for encourager of child bullying. Moreover, the community guidelines must
be supportive and strengthening for the weaker sections like physically and mentally disabled
children. The assurance has to be acquired by counsellors and parents that there is no bullying
activities on going in the organisation where disabled children are working. The basic rights and
approaches which have been declared by the government and supporting organisations should be
communicated to every parent and school authorities. It helps in creating a disciplined
atmosphere for those individuals who have been participating and encouraging bullying
practises.
There are various anti-bullying policies which have been developed by the government
for safeguarding individuals and specially disabled children from the negative elements or
components that bully these children. School organisations are more subjected to bullying and
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violence as compared to other children. The lack of awareness is the major factor which
contributes to worsening of the situation. If critical importance is provided to spread of
awareness regarding this major issue then development of the society and reduction in such
incidents will be reported. A collaborative effort has to be taken up by every stakeholder who is
associated with disabled children to reduce the occurrence and impact of child bullying on their
lives and future.
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Research project specification
Research methodology
Research methodology is a technique through which one can understand the diverse set
of methods and tools which need to be implemented for meeting the set goals and objectives.
This research study focuses on bullying of children with disabilities and the effective control
measures which can be taken for avoiding such situations. The suitability and feasibility of the
research study is completely dependent on the type of tools or methodologies which are to be
used or adopted. According to the research proposal which was produced earlier, it is clearly
depicted that aims and objectives can be attained only when the information collected during the
research is efficiently interpreted and analysed. This is possible when collection process is
correct. Following techniques will be used for supporting this research study.
Data collection:
The data collection process is quite crucial for the study because all the conclusions and
interpretations are completely dependent on the type of information which is acquired. There are
two prime methods of data collection i.e. secondary. For the secondary research there is aided
with published sources like books and articles. The feasibility of project is totally dependent on
data collection which is performed with help of these two researches. In the present research
study Data will be collected through secondary sources that comprise of Data and information
gathered from books, journals and other secondary data sources. Sources includes books,
journals, news articles. Information from internet and online sites.
Research Approach:
Efficiency of research work is based on the approaches that have been adapted. Aims and
objectives which are set for research study help in determining the type of approach researcher
has to undertake. There are two types of approaches which can facilitate the research project or
study and these are deductive and inductive. For the present study Inductive approach will be
used and researcher will focus on generating new idea from the existing information and
knowledge.
Research Philosophy:
The research philosophy helps in maintaining the effectiveness of entire study and
applied tools. Interpretivism and positivism are two types of philosophies which can be used for
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conducting this research. Positivism helps in identifying the laws and complications which are
influencing the different aspects of human behaviour. For the present study, interpretivism
philosophy will be used as it helps in understanding every perspective and dimension of acquired
results. Moreover, the subject and study is largely stabilised with this philosophy.
Data Analysis:
Most significant part of the research, data analysis helps in analysing the data which has
been collected. There has to be at-most efficiency in acquiring data analysis results because the
entire interpretation is dependent on this fact. Qualitative research technique with thematic
analysis has been used for data analysis in this research study. Thematic analysis helps in
supporting the qualitative research by understanding the different responses deeply and provides
effective information. In the present study Thematic data analysis techniques will be used and
themes will be prepared and analysed.
Ethical considerations:
It is important to consider the ethical practises which are relevant for the research study.
During the study, researcher can come across various situations in which an effective decision
has to be taken. When relevant information is acquired from authentic sources then purpose of
the research is accomplished. Hence, the study has been conducted with proper ethical
considerations and information is collected from reliable sources. Consent of use of private data
or specific thoughts has to be taken before implementing or applying it into the report. Research
work planning is also supported by ethical practises and choices. In the current study proper
citation of work will be done and due credit will be given to authors and writers whose work has
been used for completing the study. Also, ethical consideration with regards to plagiarism will
also be considered and care will be taken to properly rephrase the content. It will be ensured that
content from other authors' work is not copy pasted.
Research limitations:
The insufficient resources or time period often leads to limitations of research. Use of
reliable methods and sources helps in making the quality of research good enough for future
uses. Hence, it is important to recognise and overcome the probable limitations which can occur
during the research study. Apart from time being the dominant constraint, there is another
limitation which often comes up when conducting a research study like this. The use of
information for data analysis has to be effectively done. If there is any sort of loss of data, it has
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