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

Year 2025, Issue: Advanced Online Publication, 419 - 439

Okan Tiring , Durmuş Ümmet

https://doi.org/10.54535/rep.1819269

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.

Keywords

Bullying , Elementary school students , Peer kindness , Positive psychology , Positive social behavior

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