Bullying Prevention
The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP) is an evidenced-based school wide bullying prevention program which combines the efforts of school staff, students, parents, and other members of the community to reduce bullying in elementary, middle and high schools. Efforts are directed to improving peer relations and making the school a safe and positive place for students to learn and develop.
Bullying can have life long consequences for both children who are victims of bullying and or who bully others. Students who witness repeated bullying, bystanders, can become fearful and anxious. They may believe that the adults in the building are not in control or are uncaring.
Research Indicates:
• 30% to 50% reduction of bullying when replicated with fidelity.(Olweus, 1985; Limber, 1994)
• Prevention of bullying related problems such as absenteeism, fighting, vandalism and poor grades
• Significant improvement in classroom behavior
• Improved peer relations
Program Components:
School Level
• Establish a Bullying Prevention Coordinating Committee (BPCC)
• Committee and Staff Training
• Administration of the Olweus Bullying Questionnaire
• Hold staff discussion groups
• Introduce the school-wide rules against bullying
• Review and refine supervisory system
• Hold a kick off event
• Involve parents
Classroom Level
• Post and enforce school rules against bullying
• Hold regular class meetings
• Hold meetings with students’ parents
Individual Level
• 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
Community Level
• Involve community members on the BPCC
• Partner with the community to support the program
• Help spread anti-bullying messages and principles of best practice
• Develop individual plans for involved students
OBPP Frequently Asked Questions:
How is the OBPP Implemented?
- The Bullying Prevention Coordinating Committee participates in a two day training with a certified trainer and attends a monthly meeting to spearhead the program
- All school staff participate in a full day training
What are the staffing requirements?
- Staff time assigned to coordinating the school’s bullying prevention efforts
Is Technical Assistance provided?
- Monthly consultation, for a minimum of the first 12 months of implementation
What Recognition has the OBPP Received?
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services model program
- The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention model program
- Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence (one of 11 Blueprints for Violence Prevention Model Programs)
Quotes:
“Excellent program, long over due.
It’s changed the way we think about bullying”
- Assistant Principal
“Now that we have the program,
we create social opportunities for isolated students.
This reduces the incidence of Bullying”
- Teacher, Bullying Prevention
Coordinating Committee Member
"My child and his friends have been affected by bullying.
A school-wide program is the best way to reduce bullying and make change.
Parents, teachers and students must all learn how to
effectively address this issue so that our children can go to school and feel safe."
-Parent
914-332-1300
660 White Plains Road
Tarrytown, NY 10591
Copyright 2011 Student Assistance Services Corporation All Rights Reserveed
Contact:
Andrea Fallick, LCSW, CASAC
Certified OBPP Trainer
Olweus Technical Assistance Consultant
Assistant Director for School Based Programs
Student Assistance Services
660 White Plains Road
Tarrytown, NY 10591
Phone: (914) 332-1300
Fax: (914) 366-8826
