KidCheck secure children's check-in shares Ten Ways to Prevent Bullying.

A 2021 study from the National Center for Education Statistics reports that about 22 percent of students aged 12-18 experience bullying, while Together Against Bullying states that 33 percent of US elementary students report being bullied.

Organizations with limited supervision, inconsistent discipline, and no established anti-bullying policy experience higher rates. Coupled with younger children having 24-hour access to social media and technology, it sets up a platform for bullying with minimal repercussions.

To help, here are ten practical ways to prevent bullying in your organization.

1. Establish a Zero Tolerance Anti-Bullying Program

Your anti-bullying program should include clear, concise, and easy-to-understand policies, procedures, prevention, and intervention strategies that are straightforward to implement.

2. Provide Staff and Volunteer Training

Regular training on recognizing, preventing, and responding to bullying is essential. Your goal should be to equip leaders to intervene early and consistently enforce the zero-tolerance policy.

3. Foster a Speak Up Culture

A “Speak Up” culture reduces risk and increases accountability by encouraging staff and volunteers to raise concerns about policy violations without fear of retaliation. It starts at the top, promoting transparency, encouraging open dialogue, and demonstrating a commitment to being proactive.

4. Actively Monitor

Bullying happens when there is a lack of supervision or adults present. Ensure multiple staff and volunteers are monitoring hallways, restrooms, and common areas.

5. Encourage Open Communication

Within your anti-bullying policy, you should establish a safe and effective way for children to report bullying. This could include anonymous channels, digital reporting, or trusted adults. Encourage kids to share if they see something to say something. Their voice matters.

6. Empower Peer Support and Leadership

This means promoting inclusive behavior among youth leaders, student mentors, and peers who are comfortable championing kindness. Never underestimate the power of peer influence and support.

7. Consistently Intervene Early

When bullying is suspected or reported, act quickly by first following up with the child who is being bullied, then with the one doing the bullying. Next, gather and document all the information, and then meet separately with both parties to work towards finding common ground.

8. Involve Families and Guardians

When encouraging open communication, it is important to involve the families or guardians in the discussion so that they can address concerns and reinforce guidelines. Most of the time, caregivers want to be informed and stay up-to-date about behavioral expectations.

9. Educate on Social-Emotional Skills

This refers to providing age-appropriate lessons and activities that help develop empathy, healthy conflict resolution, self-regulation, and confidence. According to the NAEYC, this can be achieved by using visual aids such as puppets, establishing a consistent routine, setting clear expectations, and fostering a sense of belonging.

10. Review Your Bullying Prevention Program Regularly

An annual review is recommended for both your Child Protection and Anti-Bullying Policies. By gathering feedback from children, families, staff, and volunteers, you can easily identify gaps in support and strengthen your efforts.

Click here to learn more about the benefits of using secure mobile Express Check-In, children’s and youth check-in, and volunteer scheduling to help manage your events.

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Photo by mohamad azaam on Unsplash Blog

Sources:

https://www.togetheragainstbullying.org/tab/targets/elementary-school-ages

https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=719

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/mar2018/promoting-social-and-emotional-health