Peer Support System and School Climate Management: A Strategic Approach to Building an Anti-Bullying Culture

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FORMOSA NEWS - South Sulawesi - Peer Support System and School Climate Management: A Strategic Approach to Building an Anti-Bullying Culture. This research was conducted by Muh. Amar Andi Kasmawati, Mustaring, Najamuddin, Bakhtiar, and Fitriani K. from Makassar State University. Published in the Asian Journal of Management Analytics (AJMA) in 2026

This research was conducted by Muh. Amar Andi Kasmawati, Mustaring, Najamuddin, Bakhtiar, and Fitriani K. from Makassar State University, revealed the research shows that peer support systems combined with inclusive school climate management play a strategic role in creating a sustainable anti-bullying culture.

Bullying rooted in social norms, not isolated behavior

Using interviews, classroom observations, and school document analysis, the research team found that bullying in Jeneponto commonly appears in verbal, physical, social, and cyber forms. Students reported being mocked for not conforming to masculine stereotypes, girls being morally labeled or body-shamed, peers being excluded from study groups, and harassment spreading through messaging apps and social media.

These patterns point to the influence of patriarchal norms that dictate how boys and girls are expected to behave. Students who deviate from these expectations are more likely to become targets. Compounding the problem, many cases go unreported because bullying is often seen as a “normal” part of growing up. This culture of silence allows symbolic violence to persist without meaningful intervention.

Peer support as a trusted first line of help

Amid weak formal reporting mechanisms, the study highlights the importance of peer support among students. Victims are often more willing to confide in friends than in teachers or counselors because of emotional closeness and trust. Informal peer groups function as safe spaces where students can share experiences without fear of judgment.

The researchers identified peer support as an effective source of empathy and solidarity. However, most peer support initiatives remain informal and unstructured, relying heavily on personal initiative. Without training, supervision, and institutional backing, their long-term impact is limited.

Overall, the study identifies three interconnected findings:

• Peer support builds emotional solidarity and trust among students.
• Participatory and inclusive school climates reduce the likelihood of bullying.
• The absence of formal policies weakens the sustainability of anti-bullying efforts.

Cyberbullying and the digital literacy gap

The research also documents the growing prevalence of cyberbullying, particularly through platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok. Anonymity, rapid content sharing, and low digital literacy amplify the harm, making online harassment more persistent and far-reaching than offline bullying.

Girls are more frequently targeted through body-shaming and moral judgment, while boys are attacked for perceived weaknesses in masculinity. According to the authors, preventing cyberbullying requires critical digital literacy education that addresses ethics, empathy, and gender stereotypes in online spaces.

Implications for education and public policy

The study delivers a clear message for educators and policymakers: building an anti-bullying culture requires a comprehensive approach, not isolated programs. Integrating peer support, inclusive school management, gender awareness, and digital literacy is essential.

Key recommendations includEstablishing explicit and comprehensive school anti-bullying policies.

• Developing structured, well-trained, and sustainable peer support systems.
• Strengthening school leadership and teacher capacity in inclusive practices and conflict mediation.
• Actively involving parents, communities, and local stakeholders in prevention efforts.

 Author profiles

Muh. Amar, M.Ed. – Universitas Negeri Makassar.
Expertise in educational management and social dimensions of education.

Andi Kasmawati, M.Ed. – Universitas Negeri Makassar.
Focus on education policy and school governance.

Mustaring, M.Ed. – Universitas Negeri Makassar.
Specialist in school culture and educational development.

Najamuddin, M.Ed., Bakhtiar, M.Ed., and Fitriani K., M.Ed. – Universitas Negeri Makassar,
with research interests in inclusive education and students’ psychosocial well-being.

Source

Amar, M., Kasmawati, A., Mustaring, Najamuddin, Bakhtiar, & Fitriani, K. (2026). Peer Support System and School Climate Management: A Strategic Approach to Building an Anti-Bullying Culture. Asian Journal of Management Analytics (AJMA), Vol. 5 No. 1, pp. 73–92.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/ajma.v5i1.15967
URL: https://journal.formosapublisher.org/index.php/ajma