Peer bullying according to the perception of teacher candidates

Problem Statement: "Peer bullying" which is experienced at schools by most of the students and neglected most of the time is an important problem. One of the prevention ways of this problem is providing training for teachers and applying an effective prevention program. Purpose of Study: In this research it is aimed to reveal the peer bullying according to the perception of teacher candidates and the solution offers of teacher candidates for peer bullying. Methods: In this study "peer bullying" concept has been explained according to the literature. Then the teacher candidates' experiences and solution offers about peer bullying have been focused. The data about the types of peer bullying was obtained through "Violence - Vulgar Power Questionnaire" developed by Cinkir & Kepenekci (2003). The data was analyzed with the SPSS statistical program. The population of the research was the Celal Bayar University Education Faculty senior class students who are studying in primary school teaching, primary school science teaching, primary school social sciences teaching and Turkish Language teaching programs. The sample was selected with random selection model from the senior class students. Findings and Results: The findings were tabulated and interpreted in accordance with the literature and research. The results will be beneficial for the school environments and the literature in this concept. Conclusions and Recommendations: Recommendations about peer bullying were offered for practitioners and researchers according to the findings. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.