Exploring follow-up work at school for students previously exposed to bullying.

Previously bullied students are at risk of severe negative consequences related to academic performance and development of mental health problems. Little is known about organizing and building capacity in schools to facilitate follow-up work that may reduce this risk. This study explored how schools can work systematically to follow-up after bullying through organizational features. Focus group interviews were conducted with school resource groups’ members at three secondary schools in southwest Norway. Data were analyzed via content analysis revealing two main dimensions: “Current practices for designing follow-up work” and “Future needs for capacity building,” with two sub-categories each, “identifying needs” and “organizing staff collaboration,” and “core components” and “capacity building.” Findings suggest a need for capacity building among school staff and emphasize that management is crucial in facilitating follow-up work. School organization emerges as an important measure. Collaboration with the school support system’s members in the municipality and parents is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]