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Bullying and Cyberbullying Bullying and Cyberbullying

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Cyberbullying Information about Cyberbullying Physical Bullying Information about Physical Bullying Verbal Bullying Information about Verbal Bullying

Create a safer school environment by preventing bullying and cyberbullying.

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived imbalance of power. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time.

Bullying is a widespread issue in the United States. While bullying can happen to anyone, some groups may be at greater risk. Bullying negatively affects those who are bullied, those who bully others, bystanders, and others in the school community. It is linked to many negative outcomes including impacts on mental and physical health, substance use, educational experience, violence, and suicide.

Reducing bullying in schools requires a multi-faceted and community-based approach that includes immediate response and appropriate consequences and support for serious incidents. As part of these efforts, schools can consider assessing the frequency, locations, and types of bullying behavior to better understand the current landscape and determine appropriate prevention and intervention plans. School-based programs that focus on building youth skills and positive environments can also be effective in decreasing incidences of bullying and associated risk factors.

Strategies to Consider

There are several strategies schools and districts can consider to prevent and address bullying. Some of these measures include:

  • Create a positive school climate that is safe, inclusive, and respectful of all community members.
  • Implement social and emotional learning to help students build skills, manage emotions, and establish positive relationships.
  • Set and enforce policies that outline behavioral expectations and monitor places where bullying is more likely to occur.
  • Conduct teacher and staff training and promote classroom-based bullying prevention activities. 
  • Engage families and students to promote communication and reinforce prevention strategies.

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All Bullying and Cyberbullying Resources

Access additional resources below to learn more about bullying and cyberbullying and related best practices. Use the filters to sort resources based on subtopic and/or preparedness action.

Report
Targeted Violence
Report on Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2022 

Department of Education, and Department of Justice, 2023

This annual report examines crime occurring in schools and colleges and covers topics such as victimization, bullying, school conditions, fights, weapons, the presence of security staff at school, availability and student use of drugs and alcohol, student perceptions of personal safety at school, and criminal incidents at postsecondary institutions. It presents data on crime at school from the perspectives of students, teachers, principals, and the general population from an array of sources.
Webpage
Bullying and Cyberbullying
Bullying Prevention for Parents of Middle School Students

Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Justice

This webpage provides tips and information for parents and guardians of middle school students about what bullying is, how to identify warning signs and prevent bullying, what to do if your child is involved in bullying, and other common bullying-related concerns.
Training Program
Bullying and Cyberbullying
Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment in Our Nation’s Classrooms

Department of Education, 2018

This training for teachers, school administrators and school districts is made up of two modules to address bullying in classrooms. Specifically, it is designed to assist teachers in cultivating meaningful relationships with students while creating a positive climate in the classroom.

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