Teasing and BullyingProject Director: Nancy Mullin, M.Ed. “A student is being bullied when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more students. Bullying can take many forms - both direct and indirect - but always involves a power imbalance that makes it difficult for the victim to defend him or herself.” (Olweus) Bullying in its various forms is prevalent in schools around the globe. Children learn, practice, and experience bullying beginning at a very young age. Research indicates that this form of aggression is a growing problem affecting student learning, social interactions, and school climate. It has been implicated as a contributor to school violence. The Project on Teasing and Bullying worked to examine and counteract the effects of the culture of bullying on children and youth. We addressed these complex issues by raising awareness about bullying and by exploring the links between bullying, other forms of aggression, and violence. We did this through a combination of research, action, and advocacy. Central to our work was addressing the impact of societal messages about gender and gender roles on the development of aggressive and violent behavior. Project goals
Working for Change Project initiatives included research about bullying, various training opportunities for adults, and development of curriculum and other educational support materials designed for school personnel, parents, and community groups (including childcare programs and disability advocacy groups). Project activities
Training for School Personnel The project offered specialized staff development for teachers, administrators, health/prevention specialists, school guidance and other personnel in grades K-8. Each session provided a theoretical framework about bullying as well as proven strategies and practical hands-on activities for preventing and responding to bullying behaviors at school and promoting prosocial behavior. Workshops were tailored to the needs of a particular group. Training about bullying and related topics was available (e.g., promoting empathy and friendship, gender issues and bullying, or focus on a particular WCW curriculum). All sessions addressed the role of gender, bystanders, and courage. A typical training session about bullying included:
The following options were available:
A master packet of supplemental reading materials was provided for each session. Curriculum guides could be purchased separately for participants. PDP and CE credits were typically available (please verify). Note: Fees were based on session location, audience, format, and options selected. Training in Olweus Bullying Prevention Program™ The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program™ was a highly effective, comprehensive school-wide intervention developed by international researcher Dan Olweus. This research based program was one of the Blueprints Against Violence approved by the U.S. Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Programs, and had also been named an Exemplary Program by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention. Project staff were part of a national BPP cadre of certified trainers and had extensive experience assisting school districts across the U.S. to successfully implement this program. Initial telephone consultation, provided to schools at no cost, was designed to help schools determine whether the BPP model is a good match for current needs and circumstances and reviews the Bullying Prevention Program model, guidelines, materials, and fees. Additional consultation and training were available to help schools or school districts implement the program. A two-day training for a school-based bullying prevention committee included information about all aspects of the program model, curriculum, and other program support materials needed to carry out the BPP effort. Monthly follow-up consultation was provided to the local school at no additional charge to insure successful implementation of the program. For a summary of the national Bullying Prevention Program™ model, please refer to this Model Program developed for the U.S. Olweus Group. Training for community groups The project offered workshops about teasing and bullying to parent and community groups, and child care programs to increase awareness about bullying problems, to promote strategies for appropriate intervention, and to strengthen communication about this issue between home and school. A typical workshop about bullying provided facts and background information as well as practical problem-solving strategies geared to helping parents and caregivers of students in preschool, elementary and middle school. A typical one-and-a-half- to two-hour workshop included:
Workshops could be held independently or in conjunction with school staff development sessions. Parent sessions were often sponsored by PTO and/or PAC groups. Other community-based sessions could be tailored according to the particular needs of the audience or sponsoring group and have included topics such as promoting empathy and friendship. |
