Bullying Prevention: Practical Steps to Make a Difference

By: Cassandra M. Faraci, Psy.D.

Bullying has long been a pervasive issue, affecting children, teens, and even adults in various settings. It leaves lasting emotional (sometimes physical) scars on its victims, impacting their mental, emotional, and physical health. As mental health therapists, we’ve seen firsthand how the effects of bullying can be incredibly damaging to victims and their families. With proper education, strategies, and support, we can work together to prevent and mitigate the damaging effects of bullying.

Understanding Bullying

Bullying goes far beyond the stereotypical image of a schoolyard bully pushing someone into a locker. According to StopBullying.gov, bullying is “unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time” (https://www.stopbullying.gov/bullying/what-is-bullying). What makes aggressive behavior meet the definition of bullying is that it involves a power imbalance and is repetitive.

Bullying can occur anywhere—in schools, workplaces, online, or within social groups. According to the CDC, about 20% of high school students report being bullied at school, and about 16% report being cyberbullied. Interestingly, public schools report the highest rates of bullying and cyberbullying in middle schools (https://www.cdc.gov/youth-violence/about/about-bullying.html); while efforts should be used across the age range, special attention should be paid to the middle school years.

The Impact of Bullying

Victims of bullying often experience anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, sleep difficulties, trauma, self-harm, and even death. These effects can manifest long after the bullying stops or occur right away. Research has shown that children who experience bullying are more likely to develop mental health issues well into adulthood, including suicidal ideation, substance abuse, and difficulty in maintaining relationships. For some, the scars run deep, contributing to cycles of shame, fear, and social withdrawal.

But the impact is not limited to the victim. Bullies themselves are at risk for poor long-term outcomes, such as lowered academic achievement, antisocial behavior, substance use issues, and even criminal activity in later adolescence and adulthood. Bystanders, too, can be affected—those who witness bullying often report feeling helpless, guilty, and anxious, especially if they feel they cannot intervene. Clearly, bullying is not just an individual problem—it affects entire communities.

How You Can Help

We know from research that bullying prevention works best when it’s a collective effort, involving not just the victim and the bully, but the broader community. Evidence-based interventions—such as school-wide programs, social-emotional learning curricula, and family education—have been proven effective in reducing bullying behaviors.

Parents and educators are the front lines in the fight against bullying. Open communication is key—children need to know that they can talk to trusted adults about what’s happening to them without fear of retaliation or disbelief. When children feel supported by adults in their lives, they are more likely to speak up about bullying, which allows for early intervention.

Here’s how parents and educators can help:

1. Define Bullying: It’s important that kids know what is and is not bullying behavior. Minor arguments among peers would not be considering bullying. It’s also important that children know that bullying is not acceptable. Kids may be used to certain children bullying others, and they may just accept is as “the way it is.” Once they know what to look for, that it’s unacceptable, and what they can do about it, they’re more likely to notify adults and ask for help.
2. Model Positive Behavior: Kids learn by watching the adults around them. Demonstrating respect, empathy, and conflict resolution skills can go a long way in preventing bullying. Let them see you help someone who is less powerful or influential than you. Make this part of your environment, and it will become part of theirs.
3. Create Safe Spaces for Dialogue: Encourage children to talk about their feelings, their social experiences, and any concerns they might have. This reduces the isolation that often compounds bullying. It might be hard for children to initiate conversations around bullying; gently check in with them and let them know you’re there to listen and help if needed.
4. Monitor Social Media: In today’s digital age, cyberbullying is a growing problem. By staying engaged with kids’ online activity, parents and educators can intervene before online harassment escalates.
5. Teach Empathy and Conflict Resolution: Imagine if all children were taught from an early age to be empathic individuals and to learn healthy ways to deal with conflicts (which are normal and natural among kids and adults). Bullying is often rooted in a lack of empathy and poor problem-solving skills. Evidence-based social-emotional learning programs can teach kids how to manage their emotions and resolve conflicts peacefully.
6. Intervene Early: The sooner bullying is identified and addressed, the less likely it is to have long-term effects. Schools and parents must work together to create clear policies and consequences for bullying behavior.
7. Encourage Kids to Be Involved in Desired Activities. Kids who spend time doing what they love build confidence, and confident kids can be more likely to stand up to bullies and report bullying behaviors.

Everyone Plays a Role in Bullying Prevention

While policies and programs are essential, bullying prevention also relies on the actions of individuals. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or peer, here’s how you can contribute:

• Speak Up: If you witness bullying, step in if it’s safe to do so, or report it to someone who can intervene. Silence often enables bullying to continue.
• Support the Victim: Sometimes, just knowing they’re not alone can make a world of difference to someone being bullied. Be there to listen, validate their feelings, and offer support.
• Encourage Positive Behavior: Reward acts of kindness, empathy, and inclusion. Children who feel valued for their good behavior are less likely to engage in bullying.
• Be an Ally: Peer influence is powerful. Studies show that when peers take a stand against bullying, the behavior often stops. Encourage children to be kind, inclusive, and willing to stand up for others.

Bullying is a complex problem, but it’s not insurmountable. Through evidence-based practices, community involvement, and a commitment to creating safe, supportive environments, we can reduce the prevalence of bullying and its long-lasting effects. Let’s make sure that everyone—victims, bystanders, and even bullies—gets the support they need to break the cycle.

Together, we can build a world where empathy, respect, and kindness are the norms, and bullying has no place.