Antibullying Interventions in Schools: Assessing the Evidence Base

Area of Science:

• Educational Psychology
• Public Health
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Bullying perpetration and victimization pose significant challenges in school environments.
• Effective interventions are crucial for promoting student safety and well-being.
• Evidence synthesis is needed to guide the selection and implementation of effective antibullying strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the evidence for antibullying interventions in schools.
• To synthesize findings for diverse student populations.
• To conduct an economic analysis of intervention effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of literature from 2008-2022, including databases and gray literature.
• Rating of antibullying intervention models based on study number and rigor.
• Inclusion of 71 studies on 48 distinct antibullying interventions.

Main Results:

• Two schoolwide programs (KiVa and Friendly Schools) received high-evidence ratings.
• Multilevel interventions demonstrated consistent effectiveness in elementary and middle schools.
• Four interventions showed positive effects for diverse student samples, reducing both bullying and victimization.

Conclusions:

• Antibullying interventions are effective in reducing school bullying.
• Specific interventions demonstrate efficacy among racially and ethnically diverse students.
• Interventions are cost-effective, with implementation costs primarily for staff training and support.