To reduce and prevent bullying, it is important to consider not only the bully and victim, but also peers, school staff, parents, and the broader community. The best approach at school is to develop a clearly stated code of behaviour with consistent follow-through.

All school staff should participate in educational sessions, together with parent and student representatives. Once adults learn to recognize problem behaviour and how to stop it, they can supervise and intervene more successfully.

Parent meetings and newsletters should address the problems of bullying. Parents need to talk to their children about bullying and look for signs of potential victimization. Communication between parents and school is essential, as parents are often the first to find out that their children are being bullied. Peers also play a critical role in the reduction of bullying. If students are taught how to intervene appropriately, or get adult assistance, and to empathise with victims and condemn aggression, bullying can be reduced.

For more information on bullying and how early childhood intervention programs are helping to reduce bullying in communities across Canada, visit the National Crime Prevention Centre Web site at www.crime-prevention.org or call toll-free 1-877-302-NCPC.

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