A report released by the Australian Institute of Criminology has evaluated a program for managing bullying in schools. The program focuses on conflict resolution as a way of minimising bullying and the harm it causes. The program encourages children's active participation in addressing bullying and teaches five steps (known as the REACT keys) for dealing with the problem. The students who participated (from Year 5 in an ACT government school) had their feelings of safety at school measured on a four-point scale before and after taking part in the program. A general increase in feelings of safety was recorded (from 2.9 to 3.8). In addition, children exhibited more positive shame management skills. The report also highlights the importance of early intervention and the development of specific policies to address bullying in schools.
REACT: Principles for dealing with bullying [see attached PDF for table]
Source
- Morrison, B. 2002, "Bullying and Victimisation in Schools: A Restorative Justice Approach", Trends and Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice, no. 219, Australian Institute of Criminology, Canberra.