Bullying prevention is a growing research field that investigates the complexities and consequences of bullying. There is also a complex relationship between bullying and suicide. Visit and identify resources for preventing bullying and assisting children who have been bullied. Post your discussion to the Moodle Discussion Forum. Word limit 500 words. Support your answers with the literature and provide citations and references in APA format. less five years
Introduction
Bullying is a pervasive issue that affects children and adolescents worldwide. It refers to a repetitive, intentional aggressive behavior directed towards an individual or group, usually with an imbalance of power (Olweus, 1993). Bullying can occur in various forms, including physical, verbal, relational, and cyberbullying. It has been recognized as a significant public health concern due to its detrimental effects on victims’ mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being (Klomek et al., 2010).
The relationship between bullying and suicide has emerged as an area of increasing concern in recent years. Although not all individuals who are bullied will develop suicidal tendencies, research has shown a strong association between bullying victimization and increased risk of suicidal ideation, attempts, and completed suicide (Klomek et al., 2011). Understanding and addressing this relationship is crucial to developing effective bullying prevention strategies.
Preventing Bullying
Preventing bullying requires a multi-faceted approach that involves individuals at various levels, such as educators, parents, and the broader community. Several resources exist to support these efforts. One notable resource is the StopBullying.gov website, a collaboration between several federal agencies in the United States. This website provides information and resources for parents, educators, and children about bullying prevention, intervention, and response strategies. It offers evidence-based research, training materials, and policies to guide stakeholders in their efforts to prevent bullying (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.).
Another valuable resource is the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP), a widely used evidence-based intervention developed by Dan Olweus in the 1980s. The program aims to reduce and prevent bullying through a comprehensive approach that involves school-wide action, individual interventions, and community involvement (Limber et al., 2017). The OBPP has been found to be effective in reducing bullying and improving the overall school climate (Ttofi et al., 2011). The program provides guidance and materials for educators to implement these strategies effectively.
Assisting Bullied Children
When children have been bullied, it is essential to provide them with appropriate support. There are several resources available to assist in this process. One valuable resource is the National Bullying Helpline, which provides a telephone helpline for individuals seeking advice and support regarding bullying. They offer assistance to both victims and their parents, providing emotional support and guidance on legal rights and available interventions (National Bullying Helpline, n.d.).
The It Gets Better Project is another resource that specifically targets bullied LGBTQ+ youth. It is an online platform that provides support, solidarity, and resources to individuals who have experienced bullying or discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The project aims to provide hope and encouragement, emphasizing that life improves and becomes more accepting beyond high school (It Gets Better Project, n.d.).
Furthermore, schools play a crucial role in supporting bullied children. The Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework is an evidence-based approach that provides guidance for schools to create a positive and inclusive school culture. It focuses on teaching and reinforcing appropriate behavior, promoting social skills, and preventing bullying (Bradley & O’Brennan, 2007). The PBIS framework offers resources, training materials, and strategies to help schools create a safe and supportive environment for all students.
Conclusion
Bullying prevention and supporting bullied children are critical components in addressing the complex issue of bullying. Resources such as StopBullying.gov, the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, the National Bullying Helpline, the It Gets Better Project, and the PBIS framework offer valuable support and guidance in these areas. However, ongoing research and collaboration among stakeholders are necessary to develop and implement effective strategies that can reduce bullying and its associated negative outcomes.
References
Bradley, R., & O’Brennan, L. (2007). The implementation and sustainability of evidence-based programs in real-world school settings: A review of the literature. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 10(3), 252-270.
It Gets Better Project. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.itgetsbetter.org/
Klomek, A. B., Sourander, A., Niemelä, S., Kumpulainen, K., Piha, J., Tamminen, T., … & Almqvist, F. (2010). Childhood bullying behaviors as a risk for suicide attempts and completed suicides: A population-based birth cohort study. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 49(9), 919-927.
Klomek, A. B., Sourander, A., & Gould, M. S. (2011). Bullying and suicide: Detection and intervention. Psychiatric Times, 28(5), 27-32.
Limber, S. P., Olweus, D., Wang, W., Catalano, R. F., & Hawkins, J. D. (2017). Bullying prevention programs: The importance of peer involvement, fidelity, and program adaptation. Prevention Science, 18(2), 124-134.