
Overview:
Bullying is one of the most serious issues facing educational institutions today. It can lead to school violence, a more negative school climate, and potential legal actions from parents. As a school administrator, you have the opportunity to address school bullying on all levels of a student’s experience. By leading your school or district in bullying prevention efforts, you can help create a safer, more positive learning environment.
Backed by thirty-five years of research and successful, worldwide implementation, the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program is a long-term, system-wide program for change involving program components at four levels:
School-Level Components
- Establish a Bullying Prevention Coordinating Committee.
- Conduct committee and staff trainings.
- Administer the Olweus Bullying Questionnaire schoolwide.
- Hold staff discussion group meetings.
- Introduce the school rules against bullying.
- Review and refine the school’s supervisory system.
- Hold a school kick-off event to launch the program.
- Involve parents.
Classroom-Level Components
- Post and enforce schoolwide rules against bullying.
- Hold regular class meetings.
- Hold meetings with students’ parents.
Individual-Level Components
- Supervise students’ activities.
- Ensure that all staff intervene on the spot when bullying occurs.
- Hold meetings with students involved in bullying.
- Hold meetings with parents of involved students.
- Develop individual intervention plans for involved students.
Community-Level Components
- Involve community members on the Bullying Prevention Coordinating Committee.
- Develop partnerships with community members to support your school’s program.
- Help to spread anti-bullying messages and principles of best practice in the community.
See the Seminars page for information about conferences and workshops: Bullying Seminars