HMC Fellow's research leads to new definition of bullying

HMC Supernumerary Fellow Dr Julia Badger

Harris Manchester College Supernumerary Fellow Dr Julia Badger has published a more inclusive definition of bullying whilst also coining a new term linked to bullying, to better support school pupils and teaching staff.

Her new term “counter-connecting” describes the action of children trying to connect – with someone else or with their own emotions – but being uncertain on how to do so, resulting in someone else being negatively targeted.

Dr Badger, who is a Departmental Lecturer of Child Development and Education at the University’s Department of Education as well as HMC’s Psychology Tutor, outlined the definition in a recently released paper which she lead-authored.

Entitled “Bullying or Counter-Connecting? Two Inclusive Definitions for Schools”, the paper is the result of consultations with special school teachers and parents of pupils with special educational needs.

Explaining the term, she commented: “For years I have spoken with teachers about a ‘type of bullying that’s not really bullying’. Now it has a name! Counter-connecting is when a child is trying to connect either with someone else, or their own emotions (for example self-regulation), but their uncertainty on how to do this results in someone else being negatively targeted. There is a victim, but no bully. It’s not bullying – it’s connecting gone wrong. But this still needs to be acknowledged and addressed.”

It is hoped that the new term and definition will help school staff and pupils alike to identify, understand and support those experiencing such situations. Her work also resulted in the redefinition of bullying itself, to be more inclusive of actions and experiences of those with special educational needs and disabilities.

For more information, view the full University of Oxford Department of Education news release, or download the paper.