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Journals / Research on Education and Psychology / 2025 / Volume: 9 Issue: 2

The Effect of a Peer Courtesy Program Applied to Elementary School Students on Bullying and Positive Social Behaviors

Okan Tiring(MARMARA ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0001-9253-8403
Durmuş Ümmet(MARMARA ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0002-8318-9026
Pages
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Publication Date
2025-12-30
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Although limited by its small sample and lack of a control group, the study offers preliminary evidence supporting the feasibility and value of peer kindness interventions in promoting positive school climates and guiding future large-scale research.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:This study investigated the effects of the Peer Kindness Program on bullying and prosocial behaviors among 3rd- and 4th-grade students.
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Key Findings & Data:The program, designed to enhance empathy, kindness, and cooperation, involved twelve elementary students (3 girls, 9 boys; aged 8–10) in Istanbul, selected via purposive sampling.
💡
Conclusion & Impact:Although limited by its small sample and lack of a control group, the study offers preliminary evidence supporting the feasibility and value of peer kindness interventions in promoting positive school climates and guiding future large-scale research.
🔬Design:Research Article
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Bullying · Elementary school students · Peer kindness

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of the Peer Kindness Program on bullying and prosocial behaviors among 3rd- and 4th-grade students. The program, designed to enhance empathy, kindness, and cooperation, involved twelve elementary students (3 girls, 9 boys; aged 8–10) in Istanbul, selected via purposive sampling. Using a pre-test–post-test design, the intervention significantly reduced bullying (p = .035) and victimization (p = .036), while increasing positive social behaviors (p = .002). Subgroup analyses revealed notable gains in prosocial behavior among both bullies and victims. Findings suggest that the program effectively decreases bullying and fosters empathy, belonging, and resilience. Although limited by its small sample and lack of a control group, the study offers preliminary evidence supporting the feasibility and value of peer kindness interventions in promoting positive school climates and guiding future large-scale research.

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Cite This Article

Tiring, O., Ümmet, D. (2025). The Effect of a Peer Courtesy Program Applied to Elementary School Students on Bullying and Positive Social Behaviors. Research on Education and Psychology, Volume: 9 Issue: 2. https://doi.org/10.54535/rep.1819269

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