School bullying scenario: which situation described in the playground should the recess aides report to the principal as possible bullying?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your ability to identify signs of bullying in a school environment based on short descriptions of playground situations. The school principal has asked recess aides to monitor recess and report any likely bullying incidents. You must read each scenario carefully and decide which one most clearly fits a pattern of bullying behaviour rather than ordinary conflict, rule breaking, or solitary behaviour.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The principal has received complaints about bullying during recess and wants the aides to watch closely.
• Four scenarios are given, each describing a different situation in the school yard.
• Options range from solitary behaviour, mild conflict, rule breaking, to possible group intimidation.
• Bullying typically involves an imbalance of power, repeated or potential harm, and intimidation or control.
• We assume the aides are looking for the most alarming and urgent behaviour to report immediately.

Concept / Approach:
Bullying is more than just disagreement or rule violation. It often shows power imbalance, such as a group targeting a single child, and may involve taking possessions or restricting freedom. We must evaluate each option against these features. The description where four girls surround another girl and appear to control her backpack clearly suggests a power imbalance and possible harassment, and therefore stands out as the most likely bullying scenario that requires prompt reporting.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Review option A. A boy is sitting alone, glumly reading a book. He is not interacting, but there is no sign that others are targeting or harming him. Step 2: Review option B. Two boys are playing basketball and arguing about a basket. Disagreements in games are common and do not automatically indicate bullying. Step 3: Review option C. Three boys are huddled around a video game device, breaking a school rule by having it on school grounds. This is a rule violation but not necessarily bullying. Step 4: Review option D. Four girls are surrounding another girl and appear to have possession of her backpack. This suggests that a group is targeting one individual and may be preventing her from freely accessing her belongings. Step 5: Recognise that option D best matches the hallmarks of bullying: group against one, potential intimidation, and control of personal property.

Verification / Alternative check:
Bullying signs include repeated aggression, power imbalance, and harassment. Only option D hints strongly at power imbalance and aggressive control of someone else's property. The other options describe loneliness, casual conflict, or rule breaking. Therefore, in the context of what the principal is most concerned about, the aides should certainly report the incident described in option D.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A boy sitting glumly on a bench: This is concerning emotional wellbeing but not clearly bullying. He may be choosing to be alone or simply be upset for other reasons. Two boys arguing over basketball: Competitive games often involve disputes and do not automatically mean bullying, especially when both are participating equally. Three boys with a video game: They are breaking a school rule, but no one is being targeted or harmed, so this is a discipline issue, not bullying.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse any misbehaviour with bullying. However, the principal specifically wants to address bullying, which is a pattern of aggression directed at victims. It is important to focus on scenarios where one child is being ganged up on by others, not merely on rule violations or arguments between equals. Always distinguish bullying from general misbehaviour and normal peer conflict.

Final Answer:
The recess aides should report the situation where Four girls are surrounding another girl and appear to have possession of her backpack, as this most clearly suggests bullying.