Blueprints
Model Programs
Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (BPP)
Program
Summary
The Olweus Bullying Prevention
Program is a universal intervention for the reduction
and prevention of bully/victim problems. The main
arena for the program is the school, and school staff
has the primary responsibility for the introduction
and implementation of the program.
Program Targets:
Program targets are students in elementary, middle,
and junior high schools. All students within a school
participate in most aspects of the program. Additional
individual interventions are targeted at students
who are identified as bullies or victims of bullying.
Program Content:
Core components of the program are implemented at
the school level, the class level, and the individual
level:
School-wide components include the administration
of an anonymous questionnaire to assess the nature
and prevalence of bullying at each school, a school
conference day to discuss bullying at school and plan
interventions, formation of a Bullying Prevention
Coordinating Committee to coordinate all aspects of
school’s program, and increased supervision
of students at "hot spots" for bullying.
Classroom components include the establishment
and enforcement of class rules against bullying, and
holding regular class meetings with students.
Individual components include interventions
with children identified as bullies and victims, and
discussions with parents of involved students. Teachers
may be assisted in these efforts by counselors and
school-based mental health professionals.
Program Outcomes:
The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program has been shown
to result in:
- a substantial reduction in boys’ and girls’
reports of bullying and victimization;
- a significant reduction in students’ reports
of general antisocial behavior such as vandalism,
fighting, theft and truancy; and
- significant improvements in the "social
climate" of the class, as reflected in students’
reports of improved order and discipline, more positive
social relationships, and a more positive attitude
toward schoolwork and school.
Program Costs:
In addition to costs associated with compensating
an on-site coordinator for the project, the costs
(which vary with the size of the site) for program
expenses consist of approximately $200 per school
to purchase the questionnaire and computer program
to assess bullying at the school, plus approximately
$65 per teacher to cover costs of classroom materials.
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