Bullying is more likely to take place in schools in which there are indifferent or accepting attitudes towards bullying on the part of students and staff (“kids will be kids”) and where there is a lack of adequate supervision (especially during breaks). School wide bullying prevention programs not only reduce bullying behavior, but can also reduce reports of vandalism, school violence, fighting and truancy. Students often report significant improvements in the classroom climate including improved order, more positive social relationships and more positive attitudes about school.

As school personnel, or other professionals who work with children and youths, you can take the following steps to improve your school’s environment:

• Attend Institute sessions to learn more about beginning or re-energizing a bullying prevention program in your building. CE sessions are offered to participants at no cost and provide an opportunity to earn up to 5.0 Continuing Education (CE) credits. View the events listings for more details or to register.
   
• Build a safe, secure classroom environment where bullying is unacceptable. This includes developing, posting, and discussing rules and sanctions related to bullying, holding class meetings during which students can talk about bullying and peer relations and providing information to parents and encouraging their involvement. Download a PDF of suggested activities and best practices.
   
• Review the information for students and information for parents found on the following pages. Become familiar with the recommended actions for each audience before sharing information with them. Be prepared to answer questions about bullying from parents and students.
   
• Contact your school administrator(s) about the idea of implementing a bullying prevention program in your school/district or volunteer to serve on a selection committee if the idea is already being considered. Before selecting a program, request data on its effectiveness. For example, implementation of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, the model for the HALT! and PA CARES programs, has shown 50 percent or greater reductions in student reports of being bullied and bullying others. Download a PDF of the other questions to ask when selecting a bullying prevention program.