Blueprints
Model Programs Fact Sheets
| Olweus Bullying Prevention Program |
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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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