Bullying on the school bus: deleterious effects on public school bus drivers

Bullying is a serious communication problem facing teachers, administrators, parents, and students alike. Although much research has examined bullying intervention and prevention efforts in schools, bullying on the bus has received little empirical attention, even though victimization regularly occurs in this school-related environment. The purpose of this study was to examine how bus drivers are affected by student bullying during their routes. Participants included 117 public school bus drivers who reported on victimization from students during their bus route and resulting driver outcomes. Results of path analyses revealed significant mediation models; the bullying of bus drivers had effects on driver outcomes (i.e. anxious driving, occupational self-efficacy, emotional exhaustion, and cynicism) indirectly through its effects on job stress. Moreover, results of conditional process analyses revealed that these mediated effects were moderated by years of bus driving experience (i.e. moderated mediation); the indirect effects on driver outcomes were stronger for more experienced drivers.