`Nearly three-quarters of all children are bullied at some point in their school lives."

So says a new book, The ABC of Bullying, by Marie Murray and Colm Keane, published in conjunction with a series on RTE radio.

It provides a measured and indepth account of "the world of bullying and the circumstances that may cause a person to bully, to be bullied or to challenge and address bullying behaviour whenever it arises".

Without in any way passing judgment, the authors examine who is likely to be bullied ("no child is guaranteed immunity from being bullied . . . teachers are not immune from being bullied by their pupils") , who might do the bullying, the consequences of bullying and what to do about it.

Bullying is distinguishable from normal conflict because it "depends on inequalities of power", say the authors. Bullying is deliberate, and perpetrated against people who can't defend themselves. There is no typical victim of bullying, but "the common denominator shared by almost all victims is the enormous hurt and damage, the humiliation, helplessness and despair, not to mention the loss of confidence and self esteem that are caused by bullying behaviour". This book is not by any means a pretty read. But it is a very detailed account of something which a shocking number of children experience in school and at home.

The authors take an equally neutral look at who might do the bullying. The myth of an easily recognisable type is dispelled. "The mythical stereotype of the bullying lout being of obese appearance and oafish or cowardly disposition, venting his inadequacies on others, has also been challenged . . . the profile of the school bully is far from a single, simple generic one."

Nor is there a simplistic approach to dealing with bullying. "People are uncertain at what level they should confront bullying or the experience of being bullied. They are uncertain whether it is a psychiatric problem, a psychological problem, a medical problem, an educational problem . . . Without knowing how to define and address the problem, it is understandable why people often behave powerlessly, being uncertain how to react and respond when confronted with children who disclose that they are being bullied."

The authors do offer advice, to parents and teachers alike, on how to deal with bullies and victims of bullying. They make the point that an anti-bullying policy at every school is crucial.

The consequences of bullying are quite drastic. Bullying leads to everything from physical injury and physical illness to long-term negative ideas about oneself, underachieving and social anxiety. The book also looks at bullying at work, sexual bullying, bullying at home and bullying in old age. The ABC of Bullying is an extremely well written overview of an all-pervasive issue which effects far too many adults and children alike.

The ABC of Bullying by Marie Murray and Colm Keane is published by Mercier Press, in association with RTE (£8.99). The radio series is broadcast on RTE Radio 1 every Monday at 3.30 p.m.