Utilising Comics in Bullying Prevention Education for Primary School Pupils
Keywords:
Bullying Prevention, Primary School Education, Comics as a Learning Tool, Social and Emotional Development, Character Education, Visual Narrative, Pro-social Behaviour.Abstract
Bullying among primary school pupils remains a critical concern, affecting students’ emotional well-being, social development, and academic performance. Early intervention is essential to cultivate empathy, respect, and positive social behaviours, thereby fostering a safe and inclusive school environment. This study explores the use of comics as an educational medium for bullying prevention, emphasising their suitability for young learners due to their visual, narrative-based, and reflective nature. Drawing on theoretical frameworks including Bandura’s social learning theory, Piaget’s constructivism, Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory, and Mayer’s multimedia learning theory, the study highlights how comics can model positive behaviours, contextualise anti-bullying messages, and support cognitive and emotional engagement. The research discusses principles for selecting appropriate comics, strategies for integration into lesson plans and counselling sessions, and the use of both physical and digital platforms to maximise reach and effectiveness. Evaluation methods, including formative assessments, reflective activities, and behavioural observations, are proposed to measure comprehension, value internalisation, and behavioural change. While comics offer advantages such as enhanced engagement, emotional resonance, and visual literacy, limitations related to content depth, learning preferences, and implementation support are acknowledged. Ultimately, this study underscores the potential of comics as a practical, theory-driven, and age-appropriate tool for bullying prevention, promoting ethical character development, empathy, and pro-social behaviours among primary school pupils.
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