The importance of prevention programs to reduce bullying: A comparative study

Bullying is a growing and increasingly worrying phenomenon. In recent years, a number of different bullying prevention programs have been implemented to create a more positive school environment. This paper offers a description of these prevention programs, focussing on the three most commonly implemented in schools: TEI, KiVa and Mediation Teams. A qualitative, descriptive and comparative analysis was made using semi-structured interviews with tutors, coordinators and experts at nine schools, three schools for each of the programs. The results show that these bullying prevention programs help raise awareness of this problem within the entire school community, improving the school environment and reducing conflict and instances of bullying. Overall, participating schools reported being highly satisfied with the results of these programs and it is therefore important to consider the mandatory implementation of bullying prevention programs in all schools.

Automated summary

Bullying is a concerning issue that is on the rise. Several bullying prevention programs, including TEI, KiVa, and Mediation Teams, have been implemented in schools to create a positive environment. Through qualitative interviews with experts and school staff, a comparative analysis shows that these prevention programs raise awareness, improve the school environment, and decrease instances of bullying. Overall, participating schools are highly satisfied with the results, highlighting the importance of implementing mandatory bullying prevention programs in all schools.