ERIC Number: EJ904677
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010-Jun
Pages: 2
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0036-651X
EISSN: N/A
Crafting a Successful Bully Prevention Program
McMurrer-Shank, Marlene R.
School Business Affairs, v76 n5 p30-31 Jun 2010
Bullying continues to be a serious problem in schools everywhere, and states are enacting laws that target bullying and harassment on campus. Several state legislatures have proposed laws that require schools to establish anti-bullying policies and programs. Therefore, education leaders and school business officials should ensure that the bully prevention program in their district is comprehensive and is based on goals that correspond with the school's culture and community. School and community involvement with comprehensive data collection and analysis are crucial to creating a safe community for all students. Making school a safe place is the responsibility of students, parents, teachers, administrators, and the community. All faculty, staff, and students must learn what bullying is, how to prevent it, and what to do when they witness a bullying incident. The members of the support staff who see students throughout the day--such as bus drivers, custodians, and food service workers--should participate in the training as well. Many bullies believe that only teachers will see and stop their behavior. Empowering support staff to recognize and deal more effectively with bully behavior will decrease the number of incidences. Part of the training for students should include helping them understand that they can tip the balance of power away from bullies. As bystanders, they can step in and help one another as well as the victims. Programs such as teen court, peer mediation, and crime stoppers are ways for students to get involved in solving conflicts before they become violent. This article lists eight steps toward establishing an effective anti-bullying program that schools and districts should implement.
Descriptors: Bullying, Prevention, Community Involvement, Peer Mediation, School Business Officials, Program Development, Program Effectiveness, Educational Environment, Student Participation, School Personnel, Teacher Role
Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO). 11401 North Shore Drive, Reston, VA 20190. Tel: 866-682-2729; Fax: 703-478-0205; e-mail: asboreq@asbointl.org; Web site: http://www.asbointl.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A