Student Voices, Migration, and Bullying

The prevention of bullying requires a whole education approach. Related to this is recognising student voices as fundamental for integration and well-being of all students. However, hearing the views of immigrant students about bullying and co-decision-making in European secondary schools is sparse in the research literature. This chapter reflects the discourse and evidence available on 'student voices' and how/if the views and opinions of immigrant students are heard in schools in six European countries. Through a narrative review of the literature, we explore student voices in the school context and if/how immigrant student voice(s) are considered in relation to recognition, co-decision-making and bullying prevention. We identify how 'student voices' are understood and described in the current European literature, with a focus on how this overall concept can be encouraged across indigenous, immigrant, migrant, and ethnic groups in generating information, ideas, and strategies. Factors relating to the promotion of integration, inclusion, and student voices are explored. Although the prevention of bullying requires a whole education approach, our review highlights that discourses around bullying, student voices, participation, migration, and diversity at school are not well connected in our respective countries and different terminologies within the countries hinder a mutual reference. Consequently, this chapter contributes to a European-wide discourse on this topic.