NCJ Number
180497
Date Published
1999
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Because children are threatened by school bullies on a daily basis and bullying often leads to greater and prolonged violence, schools and communities need to take steps to prevent bullying.
Abstract
Bullying among children is commonly defined as intentional, repeated hurtful acts, words, or other behavior such as name calling and shunning. Bullying may be physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual in nature and often interferes with learning. Bullying and the harm it causes are seriously underestimated by many children and adults. Educators, parents, and children concerned with violence prevention must also be concerned with the phenomenon of bullying and its link to other violent behaviors. Research and experience suggested comprehensive efforts that involve teachers and other school staff, students, parents, and community members are likely to be more effective than purely classroom-based approaches in the prevention of bullying. Actions steps for school administrators to take are outlined, as well as strategies for teachers, students, and parents. Innovative approaches to the prevention of bullying in South Carolina, Texas, Colorado, and Missouri are described. 34 references and 6 endnotes