Bullying Prevention: Combining Whole-School Approaches and Positive School Climate

Abstract

Bullying is a common occurrence in schools and it can have many serious consequences. The literature review examined the following whole-school anti-bullying programs: The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, Steps to Respect, and Bully Prevention in Positive Behavior Support. The review also defined school climate and explored the connection between positive school climate and bullying prevention. The Authoritative School Climate Survey is a tool used to measure students’ perceptions of school climate and make improvements. The review of the literature supported the utilization of school climate data to inform anti-bullying programs with the overall goal of preventing bullying and increasing school safety. The research study included use of the Authoritative School Climate Study to gather students’ perceptions of school climate at a rural, intermediate/middle school. Although participation was limited, results indicated a need for a whole-school anti-bullying program to target the aggressive attitudes of students as a method for bullying reduction.