The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program(OBPP) is the most researched and best-known bullying prevention program available today.
With over thirty-five years of research and successful implementation all over the world, OBPP is a whole-school program that has been proven to prevent or reduce bullying throughout a school setting.
All students and adults participate:
The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program is designed for students in elementary, middle, and junior high schools (students ages five to fifteen years old). Research has shown that OBPP is also effective in high schools, with some program adaptation. All students participate in most aspects of the program, while students identified as bullying others, or as targets of bullying, receive additional individualized interventions.
Program Goals:
The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program is designed to improve peer relations and make schools safer, more positive places for students to learn and develop. Goals of the program include:
reducing existing bullying problems among students
preventing the development of new bullying problems
achieving better peer relations at school
Outcomes of the Program:
Statistics show how successful implementation of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program can reduce school bullying. Outcomes have included:
Fifty percent or more reductions in student reports of being bullied and bullying others. Peer and teacher ratings of bullying problems have yielded similar results.
Significant reductions in student reports of general antisocial behavior such as school bullying, vandalism, school violence, fighting, theft, and truancy.
Significant improvements in the classroom social climate as reflected in students' reports of improved order and discipline, more positive social relationships, and more positive attitudes toward schoolwork and school.
Greater support for students who are bullied, and stronger, more effective interventions for students who bully
What is Conscious Discipline?
Conscious Discipline is an emotional intelligence program pioneered by Dr. Becky Bailey that teaches children to reflect and respond, rather than react, during life events. Everyday life events are used as teachable moments and guide children to develop self-control, utilize tools for conflict resolution, boost self-esteem, and foster positive relationships and social skills. It is also based on current brain research, child development information and best educational practices.
How Does It Work?
Conscious Discipline promotes a positive relationship-based community in the classroom. As we develop our "school family", students will learn about safety (physical and emotional safety), trust and problem solving. In our classroom students will learn through:
The 7 Basic Skills of Discipline (listed below)
Cultivating higher order thinking skills through "Brain Smart" activities
Class Meetings
Creating a School Family
The 7 Basic Skills of Conscious Discipline
The program focuses on the following basic skills of discipline which apply to myself, as well as my students:
Composure- willingness to change your internal state from upset to calm and bring you mind to where your body is.
Encouragement- develop a school family and understand that "we are all in this together."
Assertiveness- learn how to say "no" and having thoughts heard and respected.
Choices - understand that the only person you can "make change is yourself and, in turn, build self-esteem and willpower.
Positive Intent- begin to look for the best in others turning conflict into cooperation.
Empathy- gain an understanding of the moment and validating the emotions of self and others
Consequences- learn that everyone makes mistakes and that they are viewed as opportunities to learn.
Classroom Structures That Support Conscious Discipline
When you visit our classroom, you will notice several classroom structures that foster the development of the 7 basic skills of Conscious Discipline. These are introduced to the students through class meetings and/or as the need arises through our daily interactions in class.
Meaningful Jobs
Every student is given a job for the week. This provides opportunities for all to be contributors to the School Family.
Class Meetings
This weekly routine provides a means for students to problem solve, develop connections, celebrate, reinforce guiding principles and begin the day with Brain Smart activities.