Implementation of a School-Based Bullying Program.

A bully is defined as anyone who participates in any form of repetitive negative and hurtful behavior, with the intent of inflicting harm (Highmark & Center for Safe Schools, 2013).

PURPOSE: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a bullying awareness, prevention, and screening program for teachers and school nurses.

METHODS: The sample included 174 fifth-graders from a public-school district in rural, southwestern Pennsylvania. Teachers received an educational program and students were screened for bullying using the PIPSQ.

RESULTS: Although not a significant finding, there was an increase in teacher's knowledge post-education (p = 0.515). Although findings were not significant, the results of the PIPSQ revealed greater victimization in this school (M = 6.93), with bullying behaviors greater among boys (p = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONS: The educational program and the PIPSQ tool appear to be a promising method to identify victimization and bullying within an elementary school setting; further research can determine significance of screening and faculty education.