About

Bullying is pervasive, subtle, and hurtful to students, their families, their schools, and to society. All forms of bullying have an impact on a child’s self-esteem and on a child’s ability to learn effectively.  Bullying, a learned behavior in childhood, can continue into adulthood and the workplace.

The Highmark Foundation, through the Bullying Prevention Institute, aims to serve as catalyst and convener to support efforts under way to institute the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP) in Pennsylvania’s schools. Through Highmark Healthy High 5 funding, the Institute will plan and present educational sessions across the state. These sessions are designed to increase the skill level of those involved in bullying prevention initiatives within the school setting or at home. The Institute also will work to promote and advance best practice solutions, raising awareness of the current body of evidence that demonstrates the urgency of reducing bullying among school-aged children and youth.

Relying upon established partnerships and collaborative relationships with leading experts and organizations, the Institute will work to enhance support of bullying prevention initiatives in Pennsylvania schools. Through Highmark Healthy High 5, Highmark Foundation has funded two important prevention efforts: PA CARES (Creating an Atmosphere of Respect and Environmental Success) and HALT! - A Bullying Prevention Program. Both of these programs, implemented through Center for Safe Schools and Windber Research Institute respectively, are built upon the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP)—the nation’s only Blueprints recognized program for bullying prevention. The Institute will seek to further strengthen opportunities for the success of those schools and program trainers now engaged in the program.