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Combating Bullying: Four Programs that Work

 Student and Community News Today » November 2004

All too often, youngsters are told by their parents and other adults that bullying is a fact of life…a normal part of growing up…something that—if they ignore it—will simply go away. As a school administrator, you know that nothing could be further from the truth.

Bullying is serious business and it can have serious consequences. In addition to possible physical harm, victims may experience depression, anxiety, and problems with self-esteem. Because they may be too preoccupied with fear to focus on learning, their grades may suffer. They even may avoid school altogether—by feigning illness, by playing hooky, or—in extreme cases—by dropping out.

The number of programs that address the problems associated with bullying and help children develop the conflict resolution skills they need to deter them has grown as awareness of the severity of the problem and the demand for such programs have increased.

Following are brief descriptions of four programs that have proven to be effective in schools throughout the country.

Bullying Prevention Program
Grades: K-8
This model for universal intervention to reduce and prevent bullying was developed by Norwegian researcher Dr. Dan Olweus. Core components of the program include administering surveys that assess the nature and prevalence of bullying, establishing a Bullying Prevention Committee, and involving all members of the school community in every aspect of the program.

For more information: Visit the U.S. Web site for the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program at www.clemson.edu/olweus.

Bullyproof
Grades: 4-5
Bullyproof: A Teacher’s Guide on Teasing and Bullying for Use with Fourth and Fifth Grade Students was developed as part of the Project on Teasing and Bullying at Wellesley College. The 11-session curriculum uses role-plays, group discussions, exercises, and writing/art activities designed to help students distinguish between teasing and bullying. It is designed to be used as part of a comprehensive, schoolwide approach to dealing with the problem. Also available is the QUIT IT! curriculum, which focuses on reducing bullying behavior.

For more information: Wellesley Centers for Women, Project on Teasing and Bullying, www.wcwonline.org/bullying.

Second Step
Grades: K-3, 4-5, 6-9
This award winning conflict resolution program consists of some 20 lessons for each grade. Lessons build sequentially as the grade level increases and cover such topics as empathy, impulse control, problem solving, and anger management. Teaching strategies include story and discussion, teacher modeling of the various skills, and role-plays.

For more information: Committee for Children, www.cfchildren.org/reachus.htm.

PeaceBuilders
Grades: K-8
The primary objective of this program is to build a school environment that focuses on respect for self and for others. Teachers integrate PeaceBuilders principles throughout the curriculum. Strategies such as class meetings, student story writing, and art and drama are used to reinforce program concepts and skills.

For more information: PeaceBuilders, http://www.peacebuilders.com/.