Social Isolation and Bullying in Central New York Schools An Action Research Project
Date of Conferral
10-25-2023
Degree
Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
School
Social Work
Advisor
Thomas McLaughlin
Abstract
Students who are bullied often have lifelong issues, such as depression, anxiety, and a negative outlook on life. Bullied students may avoid school because they feel unsafe. This action research study incorporated ecological theory as the lens to explore how social workers describe current school programming around bullying, cyberbullying, and social isolation to meet the needs of middle-school students and what recommendations they had to address unmet needs. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with six school social workers from Central New York. Findings identified through thematic analysis suggest the current programs do not make the desired impact. Participants recommended programs focused on building staff-student relationships as key in combatting middle school bullying and social isolation. Findings from this study may be used to create positive social change by encouraging school administrators and social workers create vital staff-student connection programs, resulting in a school climate where students feel safe and have trusted adults with whom to interact.
Recommended Citation
Hosey-Pardi, Mary A., "Social Isolation and Bullying in Central New York Schools An Action Research Project" (2023). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 15017.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/15017
