Utah State University Blue Plate Research - Definders, Bullies, and Victims

Defenders, bullies, and victims

The social ecology of adolescence

Everyone wants to be part of a community.

This is especially true for young people as they are discovering who they are and how they fit in the world. Unfortunately, many children face bullying and other acts of victimization. 

But what causes bullying? How can defenders reduce its frequency? Is bullying preventable?

Those are the questions being asked by Dr. Diana Meter, a researcher in Utah State University's Human Development and Family Studies department, who explores what factors predict when kids will stand up for each other and how we can encourage more defenders.

Dr. Meter will share some of her findings at the next USU Blue Plate Research, held in person for the first time from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 7, 2022 at Gallivan Hall in downtown Salt Lake City.

Lunch will be provided for attendees.

This research was also featured on a recent episode of the Instead podcast, produced by the Utah State University Office of Research, and can be found on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Presented by Utah State University and sponsored by Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah, Blue Plate Research is an event series that is focused on sharing easy-to-understand well-being research with Utah health advocates, statewide stakeholders, and the public.

For more information about USU Blue Plate Research, visit blueplateresearch.usu.edu.