The ABCs of Bullying
Addressing, Blocking, and Curbing School Aggression
Comprehensive Prevention Strategies
Research and experience suggest comprehensive efforts that involve administrators, teachers and other school staff, students, and parents who are concerned about school violence and bullying are more likely to be successful than those based solely in the classroom.ref,ref Comprehensive intervention encompasses clearly worded policies and stated codes of behaviors with consistent and supportive follow-through. Many resources needed come from the existing school community, including all school staff (including hall monitors, cafeteria workers, janitors), administrators, and parents.
It takes time to change attitudes and behaviors. But a community that perseveres can be successful.ref
More than 10 years ago, Harvard University convened international experts on school violence and bullying to study prevention strategies. Sponsored by the National School Safety Center and the Federal Office of Juvenile Justice, Delinquency and Prevention, the practicum included prominent researchers, mental health professionals, and school and law enforcement personnel. This effort resulted in the development of a list of services, strategies, and suggested training classes for addressing bullying. It also led to the recommendation that schools provide:ref
- Rules against bullying that are publicized, posted school-wide, and accompanied by consistent sanctions
- Student and adult mentors who assist victims to build self-esteem and to foster mutual understanding of and appreciation for differences in others
- A "buddy system" that pairs students with a particular friend or an older student who is aware of the buddy's class schedule and is available if help is needed
- An on-campus parents' center to recruit parents to participate in the educational process, volunteer, and assist in school projects and activities
- Parenting and anger management classes for adults
- Behavior contracts signed by students and parents, and written behavior codes for students, teachers, and staff members
- Discipline policies that emphasize positive behaviors rather than punishments for wrong behaviors
- Training for all adult supervisors in cafeterias, playgrounds, or other "hot spots" where bullying is known to occur
- Classroom and school-wide activities designed to build self-esteem (for those who are bullied) by spotlighting special talents, hobbies, interests, and abilities of all students
Did You Know?
Comprehensive efforts that involve administrators, teachers and other school staff, students, and parents who are concerned about school violence and bullying are more likely to be successful than those based solely in the classroom.
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Last Updated: 5/19/04
SAMHSA is an Agency of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
