"Bullying presents one of the greatest health risks to children and young adults in U.S. society. It is malicious in its impact even if often less visible and less readily identifiable than other public health concerns," said AERA Executive Director Felice J. Levine.
The epicenter for bullying is schools and colleges, yet may administrators, teachers, and related personnel lack training to address bullying and do not know how to intervene to reduce it.
The peer-reviewed report, presented as a series of 11 briefs, addresses legislative, policy and procedural matters with pragmatic and practical strategies for prevention of bullying.
The briefs, which range in length from four to 10 pages each, include:
- Looking Beyond the Traditional Definition of Bullying
- Bullying as a Pervasive Problem
- Bullying and Peer Victimization Among Vulnerable Populations
- Gender-Related Bullying and Harassment: A Growing Trend
- Legal Rights Related to Bullying and Discriminatory Harassment
- Improving School Climate: A Critical Tool in Combating Bullying
- Students, Teachers, Support Staff, Administrators, and Parents Working Together to Prevent and Reduce Bullying
- Putting School Safety Education at the Core of Professional Preparation Programs
- Reinvigorated Data Collection and Analysis: A Charge for National and Federal Stakeholders