LINCS/BiasHELP are deeply concerned about the impact of bullying on children as well as the impact bullying has on the school as a whole. We believe that an action is considered as bullying behavior when someone repeatedly and on purpose says or does mean or hurtful things to another person who has a hard time defending himself or herself. Bullying can seriously affect the emotional, physical, and academic well-being of children who are bullied and contribute to a negative school climate.
LINCS/BiasHELP are committed to reducing the incidences of bullying in Long Island schools and communities. After doing extensive research we have identified the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program as the foremost bullying prevention program available. It is a whole school program that has been proven to prevent or reduce bulling throughout a school setting.
In addition, the Olweus Bulling Prevention Program has received recognition from a number of organizations including: Blueprints Model Program, Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, University of Colorado at Boulder; Model Program, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Effective Program, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, U.S. Department of Justice; and Level 2 Program, U.S. Department of Education.
As it is highly recommended that schools work with certified Olweus trainers on the implementation of the program, our staff have become the only certified Olweus trainers on Long Island. As certified trainers we are prepared to provide overview presentations of the program, train those chosen to be on your school’s Bullying Prevention Committee, and assist with your committee’s training of other staff members. Our trainers will consult with your school for at least one full school year to ensure the success and fidelity of implementation.
Goals of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program
•Reducing existing bullying problems among students
•Preventing the development of new bullying problems
•Achieving better peer relations
Effects of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program
•Reductions of 20-70 percent in reports of students being bullied any bullying others
•Marked reduction of antisocial behaviors, such as vandalism, fighting, theft, and truancy among students
•Clear improvements in classroom social climate, as reflected in reports of improved order and discipline, more positive social relationships, andmorepositive attitudes toward schoolwork and school among students.
For more information on the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program visit www.hazeldon.org/olweus or www.clemson.edu/olweus
Contact us at (631) 479-0010 in order to discuss the program, its benefits, and the prospect of implementing it in your school.
