NCJ Number
243341
Date Published
2013
Length
71 pages
Annotation
This home page of the Web site of the Urban Institute features a Model Bullying Prevention Policy for the District of Columbia (DC), which was developed for all youth-serving agencies in DC.
Abstract
The model policy uses a three-level public health model to prevent bullying, which involves shifting agency norms, delivering services to at-risk youth, and responding to bullying incidents in a way that inhibits subsequent bulling. Under the model policy, all youth-serving agencies are required to develop a bullying prevention policy with nine elements. These elements are a legal definition of bullying; a statement that prohibits bullying; a statement that the policy applies to participation in functions sponsored by the agency; the expected code of conduct; a list of consequences that can result from bullying; a procedure for reporting bullying; an investigation procedure; an appeal process; and a prohibition against retaliation for reporting bullying incidents. Data analysis is emphasized in measuring the success of the policy. The model policy is patterned after a public health model that has been used successfully in clinical and community psychology to promote mental health and reduce social-emotional problems. In addition, the Youth Bullying Prevention Task Force reviewed best practices in bullying prevention and conducted focus groups with DC school principals and youth. From this review and feedback, the Task Force identified strategies that have consistently been the most effective in reducing bullying. 1 table, 47 references, and appended policy sample