“Off the field, Out of Place”: Understanding School Sports-Related Bullying in Mauritian Secondary Schools
Abstract
Background: Bullying is pervasive global issue affecting multiple social contexts, including schools and sports environment. Within school sports activities, bullying can significantly impact students' psychological well-being and engagement in physical education.
Purpose of the research: This explores the lived experiences of secondary school students who were victimised within school sports contexts, with the aim of understanding how they perceived, coped, and were impacted by such incidents.
Method: A qualitative approach was employed using Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) framework and semi-structured interviews were conducted with five students who had previously reported bullying incidents. Data were analysed thematically, yielding three superordinate themes.
Result and Discussion: (1) Bullying Characterization-participants described verbal, physical, and social exclusionary bullying, often reinforced by competitive sports environments, while changing room was described as the primary setting where bullying occurred; (2) Coping Strategies and resilience- students employed avoidance, seeking peer support, or confronting bullies, though some felt powerless due to inadequate sports agent intervention (3) Consequences of Bullying- victims suffered from both long term and short-term consequence of bullying experience.
Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for targeted school interventions, including anti-bullying policies, staff training, and the psychological support, to foster safe, more inclusive sports environments.
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