View article

The effect of peer support systems on users, peer supporters, the whole school, and teachers is discussed in light of an interview study on the experience of being a peer supporter and further analysis of the data collected in a survey on peer support from a range of perspectives. Overall, it is concluded that peer support has benefits for victims of bullying and for the school climate; the peer supporters also benefit from the experience. However, there remain some concerns, notably around gender issues, with boys being significantly underrepresented as peer supporters, and with a substantial number of male victims failing to report the bullying to anyone. The implications of these findings are discussed in light of existing literature in the field. Aggr. Behav. 26:85–97, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.