International studies have found between a 20 to 80 percent reduction in bullying with a school-wide approach, according to the No Bully website sponsored by the New Zealand Police. A school-wide strategy requires that all members of the school community believe that all children have the right to be treated with dignity in an anti-bullying environment. Everyone -- teachers, bus drivers, administrators -- assumes the responsibility to do his part to ensure the safety of all. This includes protecting children who are bullied, teaching bullies more positive ways to interact, and guiding bystanders to get involved.
Anti-bullying days and special assemblies have a limited affect on bullying. Successful anti-bullying programs kick off at the beginning of school and continue throughout the year. These programs have a plan and should stand alone from other school goals such as academic achievement.
An anti-bullying curriculum teaches primary school students to recognize and respond to bullying. They learn what bullying is, the different types of bullying, and the roles of the bully, the person being bullied and the bystander. Programs also include preventative lessons in social skills, tolerance, kindness, assertiveness and self-esteem. Some primary schools encourage students to sign a no-bullying pledge, promising to treat others with respect, abide by anti-bullying policies and notify an adult when bullying does occur.
A primary school's anti-bullying initiative will have a greater impact if the entire community gets involved. Parents can give input to anti-bullying policies, attend school events and provide support for their children. Law enforcement officers and mental health professionals can partner with schools on anti-bullying programs by providing training to both school officials and students. Adults in the community can be encouraged to protect children and be a role model for them.