Training Elementary School Students to Intervene as Peer-Advocates to Stop Bullying at School: A Pilot Study

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of bullying among children has prompted the development of school-based programs to address this problem. This pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of a brief, stand-alone bystander bullying program for elementary school students. The purpose of the program was to train students to take action as peer-advocates. After completing a 75-min program, students reported an increase in their ability to identify what different types of bullying look like, knowledge of bystander intervention strategies, and general confidence intervening as peer-advocates. Furthermore, fifth-grade students showed the greatest response to the program. Implications for school counselors as leaders in program implementation and future directions for research are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Bullying
• bystander program
• creativity in counseling
• elementary school
• peer-advocates
• STAC

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Aida Midgett

Aida Midgett is Associate Chair in the Department of Counselor Education at Boise State University, Boise, Idaho.

Diana M. Doumas

Diana M. Doumas is Chair and Professor in the Department of Counselor Education at Boise State University, Boise, Idaho.