Evidence-Based Bullying Prevention Programs & Curriculum.
Bullying is an insidious problem among students in elementary schools, junior high schools, and high schools everywhere. In fact, 22 percent of students ages 12 to 18 in the United States report having been bullied.
Research over the years has shown that bullying behavior puts both student victims and the bullies themselves at increased risk for criminal behavior, delinquency, violence, substance abuse, depression, self-harm, suicide and life-long health problems. No educator wants that for their students.
In order to stop bullying, a school-wide anti-bullying program for students needs to tackle several fronts, including school culture, parent involvement, and community engagement. The Positive Action anti-bullying program combines these strategies and more into one comprehensive approach to help children in their navigation through the intense social dynamics of childhood and adolescence.
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How the Positive Action Program Helps Prevent Bullying
At Positive Action, our anti-bullying curriculum is based on the social-emotional learning philosophy and message that kids feel good about themselves when they do positive actions, including treating other children the way they want to be treated themselves.
Through the group and individual activities in our bullying kit, kids who are Positive Action participants learn the tools and vocabulary necessary to confront bullying in constructive and healthy ways, as well as specific strategies to defuse situations when an aggressor would typically bully another student.
An ongoing story follows students involved in bullying in one of three ways: as the bully, victim, or bystander. Then the kids learn ways to use positive actions in place of negative ones.
We also share useful information with parents and get them to take part, too, to reduce victimization and help positive actions extend to the whole community.
But perhaps most importantly, Positive Action aims to address the underlying causes of bullying by fostering students' development of compassion and decision-making skills.
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Positive Action Prevents All Types of Bullying
Physical Bullying
Usually, more common among male students, physical bullying includes hitting, kicking, pushing, tripping, or damaging personal property. Many of these actions result in injury.
Verbal Bullying
Verbal bullying consists of name-calling, teasing, insults, discriminatory remarks, or verbal abuse. This form of bullying can start with something small but can escalate quickly.
Social Bullying
Social bullying can manifest in lying, rumors, exclusion, and humiliation designed to harm someoneās reputation. Female students are more likely to engage in this type of bullying. Since this social bullying is often carried out behind the targeted studentās back, it may be harder for people to recognize.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying involves using computers, phones, and other electronic devices to bully other kids, whether publicly or privately. A few examples include:
- Writing mean texts, emails, or social media posts
- Posting or circulating embarrassing photos or videos
- Imitating another student online using their username
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control found that this type of bullying occurs the most among middle school students.
What Grades are Available?
- Preschool
- Elementary school
- Middle school
- High school
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Free Sample Lessons
Each Positive Action kit includes two free sample lessons available for download. To access a lesson, go to the product page for the kit of your choice, then click on the link in the product description, or click on the image below to discover all of our sample lessons.
Our Program Produces Results
Positive Action is an evidence-based program, meaning that teachers have seen tangible improvements among their students. Our curriculum has produced outcomes, including:
- 41% Reduction in bullying behaviors
- 75% Reduction in violent behaviors
- 29% Reduction in fights ā Teacher report of student behavior
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Programs Comparison
Compared to other anti-bullying programs, Positive Action provides the most content (with more than 1800 lessons), meets the most standards, and offers the most training and support resources.
While other community anti-bullying programs like the pioneer Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP) come with a steep price tag, Positive Action has earned a reputation of being the most effective program for the price. The Washington State IPP Analysis estimates that Positive Actionās net benefits total over $30,000.
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Success Stories
See the ways that students, teachers, and communities all over the country are spreading a no-bullying message with Positive Action.
āPositive Action teaches empathy and acceptance of others. The children are guided through lessons on how they would feel if they were different from others. The children begin to realize that kindness and helping others can be positive actions.ā -Suzee Fujihara, a teacher at Lihikai Elementary School
āIn second grade, I started fights with anyone who tried to challenge me. I was alone and felt that everyone was scared of me. Fourth grade is where I changed my life around (after being introduced to Positive Action). I made new friends and didnāt care to fight.ā -6th Grade Student
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FAQs
Do anti-bullying programs work?
Yes, they really work. A 2013 study by the Congressional Research Service found that a school-based bullying prevention program can decrease bullying behavior in students by up to 25 percent.
How long does it take to see results?
An analysis of similar school programs in the U.S. indicates that program duration helps determine effectiveness. Our curriculum lasts the entire school year, but studies have shown that a minimum of two years is required for the initiative to show maximum effectiveness. Schools shouldnāt abandon the project after only one year.
What's included in your program?
Our products include curriculum kits with age-appropriate activities for each grade level. A supplementary Bullying Kit for kids aged 5 to 12 builds upon the main lessons with direct instruction on topics related to bullying. With program adaptation, it can apply to older students, too.
The supplemental program components include an instructor's manual, booklets of activities, posters, and certificates of completionāall the information needed to implement the program.
Ready to take the next steps?
If you want to see how Positive Action can arm your students with the skills, strategies, and information needed to prevent school bullying, let us know when you're available for a webinar, and weāll help you get started.
Or contact us via phone, chat, or email for more information.
Parents and Educators Resources
Center for Disease Control. Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System
A systematic review of school-based interventions to prevent bullying
Safe and Accepting Schools: Model Bullying Prevention & Intervention Plan
Relationships between bullying, school climate, and student risk behaviors
