School Bullying Prevention 

Bullying can occur in any setting, including urban, suburban, and rural schools. Research indicates that 1 in 5 students report being bullied at school. Bullying is defined as repeated mean or harmful behavior that creates a one-sided dynamic.                                                                                      

Characteristics of Bullying:

  1. It is aggressive behavior that is usually repeated over time
  2. It occurs in relationships where there is an imbalance of power that is real or perceived
  3. It is intended to cause harm or distress and may have serious, lasting effects on the targeted individual.

Bullying is a form of school violence that can have long-term consequences, affecting both physical and mental health into adulthood. Students who experience bullying are at an increased risk for depression, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, and academic struggles.

What We Do

MESA School Bullying Prevention is funded through the U.S. Department of Justice “STOP School Violence” grant. MESA collaborates with schools across Indiana to implement a research-based bullying prevention curriculum. The program takes a proactive approach by providing training and education for students, teachers, administrators, parents, and staff using the Second Step Bullying Prevention curriculum.

The bullying prevention units are taught in grades K-5, helping students and staff learn to recognize, respond to, and report bullying. The lessons also empower bystanders to take appropriate action. Training equips school staff with the skills to effectively identify and address bullying. In addition to general staff training, MESA provides specialized training for teachers, counselors, and administrators on developing and implementing safety and behavior plans, as well as ongoing student support. Safety plans are created for both the student exhibiting bullying behavior and the student being bullied.

MESA also educates parents and community organizations on bullying prevention and how to support affected students. This comprehensive, proactive approach enhances the ability of students, educators, and families to recognize bullying, implement safety measures, improve school climate, and foster a safe learning environment.

How You Can Help

You can donate now to our gift fund (Nicoletti-Martinez MESA Gift Fund)

Contact Sherri Cripe about partnering with the MESA School Bullying Prevention program

Funding Source

This project was supported by Grant No. 2020-YS-BX-0102 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.