School Bullying and The Legacy of Dan Olweus

A comprehensive exploration of the lasting impact of Dan Olweus, offering both historical insight and a forward-looking analysis of the field of bullying research and prevention

Bullying is a pervasive issue in schools worldwide, with serious implications for mental health and social wellbeing. For more than four decades, Dan Olweus, the developer of the pioneering Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP), has inspired scholars across the globe to tackle this vitally important human issue.

In School Bullying and the Legacy of Dan Olweus, a distinguished panel of experts reflects on Olweus's groundbreaking work and offers fresh insights into current issues such as cyberbullying and prejudice-based bullying. Blending biography, research history, and contemporary analysis, this unique book addresses different aspects of Olweus's contributions and the ongoing evolution of the field.

Each chapter reflects on how Olweus's work has shaped the field while also considering future directions for research and intervention. The book begins with an intimate look at his personal life and career, with a moving chapter written by his daughters. Subsequent sections explore the creation of the Olweus Bullying Questionnaire (OBQ), key challenges in defining and measuring bullying, the role of policies and the law in preventing bullying, and more. Two further chapters explore the influence and enduring impact of his work in Japan, and in mainland China.

School Bullying and the Legacy of Dan Olweus is essential reading for graduate students, researchers, educators, counselors, and policymakers working in fields such as developmental psychology, education, and children's rights. The idea of this book came up after the series of online meetings of experts in honor of Prof. Dan Olweus organized by European Antibullying Network in 2021.