Prevention

Bullying has many formal definitions, but typically it is when someone repeatedly uses threats, intimidation or aggression to obtain objects, activities or social gain from others. Bullying prevention focuses on the strategies for reducing bullying behavior by blending explicit instruction and redefining the bullying construct. Teaching students to identify and respond effectively to the bullying and harmful behavior of others needs to match the students’ developmental level. The goal is the same – to reduce bullying behavior – but the process may look different across communities and across elementary, middle and high schools.

What is Bullying Prevention

School-Wide Expectations

Everyone in school should know what it means to be respectful. They should know what it looks like and how it feels to be respected. On the other side, they also should be able to identify if, when, and how someone else’s behavior is inappropriate. School-wide definitions help everyone stay consistent.

Responses to the Stop Signal

When a student signals a behavior is unwanted and needs to stop, other students need to know how to respond. Students should be taught appropriate responses that are calm and responsible.

Recruiting Help

The last routine to teach is how students can recruit help from an adult when they experience bullying, harassment, or intimidation.

Signals and Routines for Unwanted Behavior

Building on the school-wide foundation of expected behavior, all students should know the signal and routine to let someone know their behavior is unacceptable and needs to stop. The signal is something anyone can use anywhere, anytime. It’s short, easy to remember, and easy to do.

Alexa Young, 16 years old, CA

“Thank you Bully Talk. Creating a school wide mural to remind our school how much bullying prevention is important."

Morgan James, Principal, CA

"A lot of kids are dealing with bullying and it has not been addressed. Thanks to Bully Talk Inc. coming to our community school has made a major impact."

Jasmine Thompson, 11 years old, CA

"Thank you Bully Talk, the summer program was awesome and the prizes were nice."