Peer aggression and bullying in Greece

Abstract

This chapter aims to explore the different effects of various forms of peer aggression on student mental health and well-being. Students attending secondary schools are required at the end of each academic year to take exams in four courses, namely, Greek literature, history, mathematics, and science. Greek students completed a questionnaire, which included measures to assess the prevalence of different forms of peer aggression along with social, emotional, and psychological well-being. Students’ active engagement in the victimisation of others was assessed through nine types of aggressive behaviours. Perpetration of aggressive behaviours was also a risk factor for students’ well-being. Educational institutions have assumed a key role in promoting the well-being of students. Education has gained a prominent place in the Greek national policy agenda, largely due to a number of interrelated wider and local sociopolitical factors that exert considerable pressure and demands on educational institutions and teachers. © 2020 selection and editorial matter, Grace Skrzypiec, Mirella Wyra, and Eleni Didaskalou; individual chapters, the contributors.