Eva Brown Hajdukova's studies revealed that difficult students were more likely to be bullied at mainstream schools. Photo / Thinkstock.
A PhD student at the University of Canterbury says children in residential schools with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties will face increased bullying in mainstream schools.
Eva Brown Hajdukova's studies revealed that difficult students were more likely to be bullied at mainstream schools than at special residential schools, which cater
to intellectually disabled students.
Education Minister Hekia Parata announced a proposal on Monday to close two of four residential schools in New Zealand.
Ms Brown Hajdukova said the boys she interviewed believed the anti-bullying system in the residential school worked well, as the issues were often positively resolved.
"Most of the boys believed they were victims of bullying in mainstream schools, and to a lesser extent at the residential school, and they described their negative responses to this and their desire for revenge and protection," she said. "They often found the schoolwork too difficult and thus experienced frustration and anger that often led to negative behaviours and school disaffection.
