Research on the Impact of Bullying Prevention Programs on Middle School Students

Bullying is a problem that affects children all over the world, and it can have serious effects on their feelings and school life.

A study published in the International Journal of Adolescence and Youth looked at a bullying education program in two public schools in Jordan. Researchers wanted to see if the program would improve students’ knowledge about bullying, help them feel better about themselves, and reduce bullying behaviors.

The results were promising. Students showed better understanding of what bullying is and how to respond to it. Their self-esteem also improved, and fewer students reported being bullied after the program.

Although the program didn’t affect every student’s bullying behavior, it was particularly effective for some students based on their grade level, GPA, or health status.

Programs like this help students support each other and create safer environments for everyone.

Understanding the Research

This study was carried out in two public schools in northern Jordan, including one school for boys and one for girls, with a total of 210 students from grades 7 and 8.

Students and their parents had to give permission to participate, and the study made sure all involvement was voluntary, private, and confidential.

The program itself included 4 sessions. Each had interactive lessons using multimedia, group discussions, case studies, role-playing, and problem-solving activities.

Students learned about the different types of bullying, the effects on victims, and strategies to respond to and prevent bullying. They also learned social skills like empathy, respect, and self-control, as well as strategies for bystanders to safely help victims.

To measure the results, students completed self-administered questionnaires before and after the program. These included a knowledge scale about bullying, a bullying and victimization scale to report behaviors, and a self-esteem scale.

The study showed that the school-based bullying education program had positive effects on students. The key findings include:

• Students were better able to identify bullying behaviors, understand their effects on victims, and recognize ways to respond appropriately.
• Students reported experiencing bullying less frequently after the program. Those in 8th grade and students with higher GPAs showed the greatest improvements.
• Those with medical conditions showed a bigger drop in bullying behavior, while students without them showed little or no change. (This might be because they were more attentive to lessons, received extra support from their teachers, or were more motivated to follow social rules.)
• Students had higher self-esteem scores after participating in the program. Role-playing, discussions, and positive peer interactions likely led to this increase.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

Bullying prevention doesn’t stop at school. We can support our children by reinforcing what they learn in bullying education programs, or even by teaching these lessons early, before problems arise.

Talk about bullying openly

The more you include bullying in your conversations, the easier it will be for your child to recognize it, understand its effects, and have the awareness to respect others and stand up for themselves.

Sharing stories, news, or examples from books or shows can also help children see bullying in different situations.

Promote healthy self-esteem

Children with strong self-esteem are better able to handle bullying and are less likely to become victims or engage in bullying themselves. You can start building self-esteem early in small ways — like encouraging them to try new hobbies, acknowledging their strengths, and teaching positive affirmations.

Try our Self-Esteem Worksheets for activities that help them feel more confident in themselves.

Stay connected with school staff

Keeping in touch with your child’s teachers and counselors will help you stay informed about their social experiences and any bullying that may occur. Attend parent-teacher meetings, check in via email or phone, join school workshops, or volunteer for school activities.

Being engaged shows your child that adults are watching out for them and that it’s okay to speak up if they encounter bullying.

One limitation of the study is that it didn’t include a comparison group of students who didn’t take participate in the program. Future studies should include a wider range of schools and a comparison group to get a clearer picture of the program’s impact.

Support your child’s social growth with our Social Skills Worksheets, which help them relate well with others in everyday situations.