Bullying
When teasing becomes hurtful, unkind or constant, it crosses the line into bullying and needs to stop. Bullying can range from hitting, shoving, name-calling, threats, mocking, shunning others, spreading rumors about them through the use of email, chat rooms, instant messages, social networking websites, and text messages to taunt or hurt others. It is critical to take bullying seriously and to take the necessary steps to address it.
CSCORE does not endorse any of the following research studies or resources. Instead, our goal is to present you with the latest research and interventions. It is up to you to decide if the study is reliable and valid.
Web Resources
Cyberbullying
StopBullying.gov provides information from various government agencies on what bullying is, what cyberbullying is, who is at risk, and how you can prevent and respond to bullying.
Cyberbullying: The New Online Crime
This article explains some of the legal nuances of cyberbullying and provides resources for more information on a wide variety of cyberbullying related topics.
Cybersmart! Cyberbullying Package
The National Association of School Psychologists and Cybersmart! have collaboratively developed a free anti-cyberbullying curriculum based on research. The lessons are designed for grades 2 -12.
Anti-LGBTQ Bullying
Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
GLSEN has an extensive list of resources for schools to help them combat not only anti-LGBT bullying, but bullying in general. Included are lesson plans and a kit to start a Safe Space program at your school.
Southern Poverty Law Center
The SPLC has produced a documentary and tool kit free of charge to schools. The film tells the story of a young man who was bullied for being gay and how he sued the school district that failed to protect him.
Journal Research Articles
USE AND IMPACT OF THE WISCONSIN BULLYING PREVENTION PROGRAM ASSESSMENT TOOL IN ADDRESSING MIDDLE SCHOOL BULLYING
Bowser, J., Bellmore, A., & Larson, J. (2019). Use and impact of the Wisconsin bullying prevention program assessment tool in addressing middle school bullying. International Journal of Bullying Prevention, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42380-019-00037-3
DEMOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCES IN THE PREVALENCE, CO-OCCURRENCE, AND CORRELATES OF ADOLESCENT BULLYING AT SCHOOL
Carlyle, K. E., & Steinman, K. J. (2007). Demographic differences in the prevalence, co‐occurrence, and correlates of adolescent bullying at school. Journal of School Health, 77(9), 623-629.
Abstract and Journal Access
PREDICTORS OF BULLYING AND VICTIMIZATION IN CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE: A META-ANALYTIC INVESTIGATION
Cook, C. R., Williams, K. R., Guerra, N. G., Kim, T. E., & Sadek, S. (2010). Predictors of bullying and victimization in childhood and adolescence: A meta-analytic investigation. School psychology quarterly, 25(2), 65.
Full Article
WHEN PREVENTION IS NOT ENOUGH: STUDENTS' PERCEPTION OF BULLYING AND SCHOOL-WIDE POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTIONS AND SUPPORTS
Gage, N. A., Rose, C. A., & Kramer, D. A., II. (2019). When prevention is not enough: Students’ perception of bullying and school-wide positive behavior interventions and supports. Behavioral Disorders, 45(1), 29-40. https://doi.org/10.1177/0198742918810761
AUTHORITATIVE SCHOOL DISCIPLINE: HIGH SCHOOL PRACTICES ASSOCIATED WITH LOWER BULLYING AND VICTIMIZATION
Gregory, A., Cornell, D., Fan, X., Sheras, P., Shih, T. H., & Huang, F. (2010). Authoritative school discipline: High school practices associated with lower bullying and victimization. Journal of Educational Psychology, 102(2), 483.
AN ACTION RESEARCH PROJECT TO DETERMINE THE UTILITY OF BULLYING PREVENTION IN POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BULLYING PREVENTION
Goodman-Scott, E., Doyle, B., & Brott, P. (2013). An action research project to determine the utility of bully prevention in positive behavior support for elementary school bullying prevention. Professional School Counseling, 17(1).
EVALUATION OF A BULLYING PREVENTION PROGRAM
Hallford, A., Borntrager, C., & Davis, J. L. (2006). Evaluation of a bullying prevention program. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 21(1), 91-101. https://doi.org/10.1080/02568540609594581
Full Article
THE IMPACT OF A PEER COUNSELLING SCHEME TO ADDRESS BULLYING IN AN ALL-GIRL LONDON SECONDARY SCHOOL: A SHORT-TERM LONGITUDINAL STUDY
Houlston, C., & Smith, P. K. (2009). The impact of a peer counselling scheme to address bullying in an all‐girl London secondary school: A short‐term longitudinal study. British journal of educational psychology, 79(1), 69-86.
BULLYING PREVENTION AND THE PARENT INVOLVEMENT MODEL
Kolbert, J. B., Schultz, D., & Crothers, L. M. (2014). Bullying prevention and the parent involvement model. Journal of School Counseling, 12(7), n7.
BULLYING AND STRESS IN EARLY ADOLESCENCE: THE ROLE OF COPING AND SOCIAL SUPPORT
Konishi, C., & Hymel, S. (2009). Bullying and stress in early adolescence: The role of coping and social support. The Journal of Early Adolescence, 29(3), 333-356. https://doi.org/10.1177/0272431608320126
ELECTRONIC BULLYING AMONG MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
Kowalski, R. M., & Limber, S. P. (2007). Electronic bullying among middle school students. Journal of adolescent health, 41(6), S22-S30.
Full Article
WEIGHT STATUS AS A PREDICTOR OF BEING BULLIED IN THIRD THROUGH SIXTH GRADES
Lumeng, J. C., Forrest, P., Appugliese, D. P., Kaciroti, N., Corwyn, R. F., & Bradley, R. H. (2010). Weight status as a predictor of being bullied in third through sixth grades. Pediatrics, 125(6), e1301-e1307.
EFFECT OF PARTICIPATION IN STUDENT SUCCESS SKILLS ON PROSOCIAL AND BULLYING BEHAVIOR
Mariani, M., Webb, L., Villares, E., & Brigman, G. (2015). Effect of participation in student success skills on prosocial and bullying behavior. Professional Counselor, 5(3), 341-353.
PREVENTING AND RESPONDING TO BULLYING: AN ELEMENTATY SCHOOL'S 4-YEAR JOURNEY
McCormac, M. E. (2014). Preventing and responding to bullying: An elementary school's 4-year journey. Professional School Counseling, 18(1).
TRAINING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TO INTERVENE AS PEER-ADVOCATES TO STOP BULLYING AT SCHOOL: A PILOT STUDY
Midgett, A., & Doumas, D. M. (2016). Training elementary school students to intervene as peer-advocates to stop bullying at school: A pilot study. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 11(3-4), 353-365.
ESTABLISHING SCHOOL COUNSELORS AS LEADERS IN BULLYING CURRICULUM DELIVERY: EVALUATION OF A BRIEF, SCHOOL-WIDE BYSTANDER INTERVENTION
Midgett, A., Doumas, D. M., & Johnston, A. D. (2017). Establishing school counselors as leaders in bullying curriculum delivery: Evaluation of a brief, school-wide bystander intervention. Professional School Counseling, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/2156759X18778781
EVALUATION OF A BRIEF, SCHOOL-BASED BULLYING BYSTANDER INTERVENTION FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
Midgett, A., Doumas, D., & Trull, R. (2016). Evaluation of a brief, school-based bullying bystander intervention for elementary school students. Professional School Counseling, 20(1), 1096-2409.
A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDY EVALUATING A BRIEF, BYSTANDER BULLYING INTERVENTION WITH JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Midgett, A., Doumas, D., Trull, R., & Johnston, A. D. (2017). A randomized controlled study evaluating a brief, bystander bullying intervention with junior high school students. Journal of School Counseling, 15(9), n9.
ADOLESCENT BULLYING INVOLVEMENT AND PERCEIVED FAMILY, PEER AND SCHOOL RELATIONS: COMMONALITIES AND DIFFERENCES ACROSS RACE/ETHNICITY
Spriggs, A. L., Iannotti, R. J., Nansel, T. R., & Haynie, D. L. (2007). Adolescent bullying involvement and perceived family, peer and school relations: Commonalities and differences across race/ethnicity. Journal of Adolescent Health, 41(3), 283-293.
SCHOOL COUNSELORS' ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN BULLYING PREVENTION: A NATIONAL SURVEY
Swank, J. M., Smith-Adcock, S., & Weaver, J. L. (2019). School counselors’ roles and responsibilities in bullying prevention: A national survey. Professional School Counseling, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/2156759X19851465
A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF SCHOOL-BASED INTERVENTIONS TO PREVENT BULLYING
Vreeman, R. C., & Carroll, A. E. (2007). A systematic review of school-based interventions to prevent bullying. Archives of pediatrics & adolescent medicine, 161(1), 78-88.
Abstract and Journal Access
CHILD MALTREATMENT AS A RISK FACTOR FOR BULLYING: IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL COUNSELORS
Watts, J., Liu, Y., & Boren, C. (2025). Child maltreatment as a risk factor for bullying: Implications for school counselors. Counseling Scholarship & Practice in Educational Communities, 1(2), 1-27. https://doi.org/10.7275/cspec.2899
EXAMINING THE OVERLAP IN INTERNET HARASSMENT AND SCHOOL BULLYING: IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL INTERVENTION
Ybarra, M. L., Diener-West, M., & Leaf, P. J. (2007). Examining the overlap in Internet harassment and school bullying: Implications for school intervention. Journal of Adolescent Health, 41(6), S42-S50.
Full Article
Curriculum Materials
Center on Instruction
The Center is a clearing house of information on research based best practices for instruction to improve achievement in schools.
Learning First Alliance
The Learning First Alliance is an organization dedicated to improving student learning. This website is a forum where success stories are shared.
Evidence-Based Interventions
Tier 1, Grades K-8
Intervention focused on educating teachers to prevent bullying. Recognizes both the bully and victim, while working to implement strong positive role models.
Tier 1, Grades K-12
A prevention program designed to reduce the risks of alcohol, tobacco, drug abuse, and violence.
Tier 1, Grades K-12
An intervention that works to develop healthy living by establishing a positive self-view and strong learning community.
Olweus Bullying Prevention Program
Tier 1 & 2, Grades K-8
Whole-school program that is designed to prevent and reduce bullying throughout the building. Intervention is performed at both a Tier 1 and Tier 2 level.
Tier 1, Grades K-12
A school-wide intervention on bullying prevention that involves youth curriculum and staff development.
Tier 1, Grades K-12
Interventions on both bullying prevention and violence prevention. Intervention involves the whole school community.
Tier 1, Grades K-12
A collection of different curricula and interventions focused on students' health. Well-researched interventions focused on preventing drug use and violence.
Books & Book Chapters
Parents & Educators
Beane, A. L. (2011). The new bully free classroom: Proven prevention and intervention strategies for teachers K-8. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing.
Cline, F., & Fay, J. (2020). Parenting with love and logic: Teaching children responsibility (3rd ed.). Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.
Coloroso, B. (2009). The bully, the bullied, and the bystander: From preschool to high school--How parents and teachers can help break the cycle (Rev. ed.) New York, NY: HarperCollins.
Coloroso, B. (2016). Cyberbullying: The Bully, the Bullied, and the Not-So-Innocent Bystander: Keeping Young People Involved, Connected, and Safe in the Net Neighbourhood. New York, NY: HarperCollins.
Forehand, R. L., & Long, N. (2010). Parenting the strong-willed child: The clinically proven five-week program for parents of two- to-six year olds (3rd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Gordon, T. (2000). Parent effectiveness training: The proven program for raising responsible children (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Three Rivers Press.
Hawken, L.S., Crone, D., Bundock, K., & Horner, R. H. (2020). Responding to Problem Behavior in Schools, Third Edition: The Check-In, Check-Out Intervention (3rd ed.) New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Hinduja, S., & Patchin, J. W. (2015). Bullying beyond the schoolyard: Preventing and responding to cyberbullying (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.
Horne, A. M., Bartolomucci, C. L., & Newman-Carlson, D. (2003). Bully busters: A teacher's manual for helping bullies, victims, and bystanders (Grades K-5). Champaign, IL: Research Press.
Nelson, J. (2017). Positive Discipline Tools for Teachers: Effective Classroom Management for Social, Emotional, and Academic Success. New York, NY: Ballantine Books.
Patterson, G. R. (1987). Living with children: New methods for parents and teachers (2nd ed.). Champaign, EL: Research Press.
Phelan, T. W. (2010). 1-2-3 magic: Effective discipline for children 2-12 (4th ed.). Glen Ellyn, IL: ParentMagic, Inc.
Youth
Ferry, B., (2015). Stick and Stone. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin.
Sanders, J., (2017). You, Me and Empathy: Teaching children about empathy, feelings, kindness, compassion, tolerance and recognizing bullying behaviors. UpLoad Publishing.
Sornson, B., & Dismondy, M. (2010) The Juice Box Bully: Empowering Kids to Stand Up for Others. Early Learning Foundation.
Shapiro, L. E. (1994). The very angry day that Amy didn't have. Woodbury, NY: Childswork/Childsplay.
Shapiro, L. E. (1995). Sometimes I like to fight, but I don't do it much anymore: A self-esteem book for children with difficulty in controlling their anger. Woodbury, NY: Childswork/Childsplay.