Bullying Amongst Early Childhood Development Learners: The Case of Mckeurtan Primary School in Reigate District of Bulawayo

Abstract

The purpose of this research study was to explore was to explore the concept of bullying in Early Childhood Education at Mckeurtain Primary School in Reigate District. A theoretical framework Bronfrenbrenner’s Ecological Theory guided and informed the research study. A mixed methods approach and a case study design was employed. Questionnaires, interviews and observations were used to collect data. The participants included 3 Administrators, 123 Parents and 8 ECD teachers. The findings of the study revealed that there bullying amongst ECD learners. The children`s family background and exposure to media violence are the major contributory factors causing bullying amongst ECD learners. Furthermore, the findings revealed that fear was another effect of bullying amongst ECD learners. The school adopted school based strategies and classroom based to reduce bullying amongst ECD learners. The findings revealed that teachers used discussion with the child and the administrators resorted to guidance and counselling with the parent and the child. The research recommends the need to sensitise learners on the effects of bullying starting ECD level. Parents should be directly involved in the development of anti-bullying polices. Guidance and counselling services to be effectively used in schools and government should formulate anti-bullying policies that should be adopted by all schools