A3 Refereed book chapter or chapter in a compilation book

Not just kids’ play: bullying prevention is an investment that pays off




AuthorsHerkama, Sanna; Larose, Marie-Pier; Turunen, Tiina; Salmivalli, Christina

EditorsErola Jani; Moisio Pasi; Peltoniemi, Johanna

  • PublisherEdward Elgar Publishing

Publication year2026

Book title Beyond the Nordic Welfare State: Extending Social Investments with Interventions

First page 207

Last page221

ISBN978-1-03-537543-1

eISBN978-1-03-537544-8

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.4337/9781035375448.00020

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingOpen Access

Publication channel's open availability Partially Open Access publication channel

Web address https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035375448.00020

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/522858134

Self-archived copy's licenceCC BY NC ND

Self-archived copy's versionPublisher`s PDF


Abstract

In this chapter, we focus on bullying prevention, which is a perfect case to discuss the development and evaluation of interventions embedded in an investment-intervention approach. Bullying is a widespread problem across countries, regardless of their level of economic development. It has been associated with short- and long-term deterioration in children's life opportunities and well-being. First, we introduce bullying as a phenomenon and elaborate on its short- and long-term consequences. Next, we briefly present how bullying can be prevented and addressed by interventions in schools and the potential long-term benefits of such efforts for society. Preventive interventions necessitate initial investment but can also be turned into social investment over time. We use the Finnish KiVa® antibullying program as an example. Finally, we elaborate on how this line of thinking – considering prevention and intervention as long-term investments and strengthening various stock and flow factors – could benefit society at large.


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Last updated on 16/04/2026 11:24:56 AM