NCJ Number
226692
Journal
Journal of School Violence Volume: 8 Issue: 1 Dated: January-March 2009 Pages: 81-97
Date Published
January 2009
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study examined school response to bullying and youth aggression in upper/middle-class and low socioeconomic neighborhoods and the results of the implementation of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program.
Abstract
Results indicate that the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program is one of the few programs that has proven efficacy in upper/middle-class areas for reducing the incidence of bullying and improving attitudes towards school and academic achievement, but the effectiveness of the program has not yet been tested in low income schools. The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program focuses on the ecological factors, which include the individual, the classroom, and the school; researchers must also understand the difference in socioeconomic and educational attainment of students in both types of communities. To determine the applicability of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program in impoverished schools, a pilot study must be conducted to test whether the instruments administered to the subjects are culturally relevant to those in poor communities. Self-report is often the preferred method of assessment of bullying behavior for research purposes. Self-report scales must be sensitive to the unique problems that many racial/ethnic minorities face in their schools and communities because the residents in low income neighborhoods are disproportionately racial and ethnic minorities (mainly African-Americans and Hispanics). Self-report scales that are applicable to upper/middle-class students may not be effective; White students’ self-report scales may not be relevant to minority children and parents. Suggestions for enhancing the applicability of anti-bullying programs to low income schools are included. References