The ABCs of Bullying
Addressing, Blocking, and Curbing School Aggression

Supplements

Choosing a Bullying Prevention Program

When sorting through the various available options, note that effective prevention programs share key elements. Choose a program after you've done a needs assessment of your school to ensure the goals of the program meet the goals of your school.

Here are some questions to consider in selecting a program, adapted from the Comprehensive Health Education Foundation:

  1. Is the program researched based?



  2. Does the program use a comprehensive curriculum developmentally tailored to be age specific? Does the program build on what is learned each year?



  3. Does the program include practical lessons and activities in addition to information?



  4. Is the program comprehensive, involving family, peers, all school staff, and the entire community?



  5. Does the program use culturally sensitive material appropriate for students from a wide variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds?



  6. Does the staff find the program satisfying and valuable? Does it include staff training?



  7. Is the program cost efficient?



  8. Can the program be incorporated into the curriculum? Is it incorporated into the safe schools or violence prevention program?



  9. Do students find the program meaningful and enjoyable?



Source: Brewster & Railsback, 2001.

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