NCJ Number
247204
Date Published
December 2009
Length
149 pages
Annotation
This report presents the results of a systematic review and analysis of the effectiveness of various anti-bullying programs.
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis of the research literature found 89 reports describing 53 different anti-bullying program evaluations that met the criteria for inclusion in this report. Of the 53 program evaluations, 44 provided data allowing for the calculation of the size of the effect on levels of bullying or victimization. Analysis of the 44 studies included in this report indicates that school-based anti-bullying programs are effective at reducing bullying and victimization, with bullying decreasing by 20-23 percent and victimization decreasing by 17-20 percent. The review also found that various program elements and intervention components were associated with decreases in both bullying and victimization. The different program elements and intervention components identified through the various studies include whole-school anti-bullying policies, classroom rules, school conferences, classroom management, cooperative group work, work with bullies and victims, work with peers, information for parents and teachers, disciplinary methods, non-punitive methods, school tribunals and bully courts, parent training/meetings, and teacher training. Those elements that most strongly affected bullying rates were parent training/meetings, improved playground supervision, disciplinary methods, classroom management, teacher training, classroom rules, whole-school anti-bullying policies, school conferences, information for parents, and cooperative group work. Suggestions for future research and study limitations are discussed. Appendixes and references