The Olweus Program (pronounced Ol-VEY-us; the E sounds like a long A) is a comprehensive, school-wide
program designed to reduce and prevent bullying problems among school children and to improve peer
relations at school. The program has been found to reduce bullying among children, improve the social climate
of classrooms, and reduce related antisocial behaviors, such as vandalism and truancy.
The Bemus Point Central School District will use the research based on the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program
as the foundation for creating a safe environment for children. This program presents a clear definition of the
term “bullying” “A person is bullied when he/she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on
the part of one or more persons.” (Olweus, 1993).
This program provides a structured approach to the prevention of bullying. It promotes increased
understanding of the issues involved with “bullying” behaviors and provides a coordinated plan for addressing
these issues. The program involves training for staff and students as well as information for parents.
Information regarding bullying behaviors is shared systematically in the school. Supervision is coordinated
among all staff members. Interventions may occur with individuals or groups within the school.
The goals of the program are:
- To reduce (and ideally eliminate) existing bully/victim problems among school children
- To prevent the development of new bully/victim problems
- To achieve better peer relations at school
Four building rules apply to bullying. In our bully-free school, we will:
- Not bully others
- Help students who are bullied
- Include all students who are left out
- Tell an adult at school and home when someone is bullied
Class meetings are an integral part of the program and are presented with interactive and age-appropriate
materials about how students can decrease and prevent bullying in their school. The students also have
opportunities to share their experiences and learn from each other in a supportive environment.
The Bemus Point Central School District will be implementing the Olweus program in grades K-12 starting in the
2012-2013 school year.
For additional information about the program, visit:http://www.violencepreventionworks.org/public/
olweus_bullying_prevention_program.page
Related Files:
Tips for Parents – What to Do if Your Child is Being Bullied
Tips for Parents – What to Do If Your Child is Bullies Others
Tips for Parents – What to Do If Your Child Witnesses Bullying
Tips for Parents – What Can Parents Do to Prevent and Address Cyber-Bullying