Steps to Respect Program Reduces Playground Bullying, According to New Research

An elementary school anti-bullying program is making a difference in bullying behavior and behavior that supports bullying, according to a study published by the American Psychological Association.

The study, appearing in the May 2005 issue of Developmental Psychology, evaluated the Steps to Respect program. The program is designed to decrease school bullying problems by increasing staff awareness and responsiveness, fostering socially responsible beliefs, and teaching social-emotional skills to counter bullying and promote healthy relationships. The study involved 1,023 children in grades 3-6 from six elementary schools in the Pacific Northwest.

Results show that children who took part in the Steps to Respect program showed positive changes in observed playground bullying, normative beliefs, and social interaction skills compared to children in the control group. Both bullying and the attitudes believed to support its execution were reduced within a relatively short period of time.

The program also reduced bystander encouragement of playground bullying. The study authors say this result is heartening because reducing the number of children who provide an audience and incitement to bullying may yield additional benefits in subsequent years.

Article: “Reducing Playground Bullying and Supporting Beliefs: An Experimental Trial of the Steps to Respect Program," Karin S. Frey, University of Washington and Committee for Children, et al.; Developmental Psychology, Vol. 41, No. 3.