Friends Beside Victims

Summary of Hoekstra et al (2024)

This randomized controlled trial tested whether seating bullied students away from aggressors and next to best friends could improve their classroom wellbeing. The study involved 1,746 Dutch elementary students, of whom 250 were frequent victims of bullying. Researchers hypothesized that sitting near friends and away from bullies would increase comfort, reduce internalizing problems, and enhance engagement. Surprisingly, results showed no significant benefits. Victims in the intervention condition did not report higher classroom comfort, lower anxiety, or reduced victimization compared to those in control classrooms. Ethical constraints meant that both groups had similar minimum distances from bullies, which may have diluted effects. The findings suggest that seating changes alone may not resolve bullying’s deep impact, and more comprehensive interventions are necessary. The authors encourage teachers to view seating as a supportive tool, but not a stand-alone solution for bullying prevention. 

Reference:
Hoekstra, N. A. H., van den Berg, Y. H. M., Lansu, T. A. M., Peetz, H. K., Mainhard, M. T., & Cillessen, A. H. N. (2024). Can classroom seating arrangements help establish a safe environment for victims? Aggressive Behavior, 50(5), e22173. https://doi.org/10.1002/ab.22173

Suggested Citation:
Ross, E. M., & Malar, D. B. J. (2025). Friends Beside Victims. Excellent Educator, 2(19), 2.