IDENTIFICATION AND PREVENTION OF BULLYING IN SCHOOLS

Bullying is a complex problem for many schools districts. The identification of bullying behavior and the creation of a successful anti-bullying program is critical in successfully dealing with the problem. This study examined the emotional consequences of bullying and the causes of bullying behavior, and identified effective programs for dealing with bullying in schools. Bullying behavior is anything that can be reasonably viewed as “intimidating, hostile, dehumanizing, humiliating, threatening, or otherwise likely to evoke fear of physical harm or emotional distress” (MI BOE, 2009). The causes of this behavior usually stem from lack of a quality role model at home, or even just neglect at home and the behavior is meant to gain attention. Some of the most successful programs that deal with bullying share three characteristics: first, the program can change with the situation at hand; second, the program starts educating students at a young age; and third, there are clear expectations of students, consequences for actions, and consistent enforcement of punishments. Programs lacking all three components are not as effective. One of the best-known bullying prevention programs is the Olweus program, but it does have significant cost to the district. Other effective options exist that have little or no cost.