Abstract:
The aim of this study is to explore the ways which young Pacific tertiary students understand Pacific youth bullying based on their shared experiences and perspectives. To the researcher’s knowledge, young Pacific people’s experiences of bullying are invisible in the literature. It is anticipated that Pacific youth views as a focal point in bullying research will unearth findings that are culturally relevant, appropriate and unique. This thesis is a qualitative exploration based on six focus group discussions with 19 young Pacific tertiary students. A grounded theory approach was used to organise data. Major themes that emerged from the findings include: the importance of bullying conversations in Pacific families, ‘what Pacific youth bullying is’, the role of Pacific identity in bullying, the challenges around definitions of bullying for young Pacific peoples, and the concerns for young Pacific peoples’ mental health, safety and suicide in relation to bullying. This research aims to increase awareness around Pacific youth bullying, encourage debate and transform current conversations about bullying for Pacific youth, their families and communities. It is hoped that this research will help to inform current policies and contribute much needed information to current generic worldviews.