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

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, standalone bystander bullying program for elementary school students. The purpose to the program was to train students to take action as peer-advocates. After completing the 75-minute 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

The Relationship Between Witnessing Cyberbullying and Depressive Symptoms and Social Anxiety Among Middle School Students: Is Witnessing School Bullying a Moderator?

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between witnessing cyberbullying and depressive symptoms and social anxiety among middle school students (N = 146). Students completed questionnaires assessing experiences witnessing cyberbullying, school bullying, depressive symptoms, and social anxiety. Regression analyses revealed that witnessing cyberbullying was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms even after controlling for frequency of witnessing school bullying. Further, for depressive symptoms, the moderating effect of witnessing school bullying was significant, indicating that students who witnessed both cyberbullying and school bullying reported the highest level of depressive symptoms and those that reported not witnessing either type of bullying reported the lowest level. Contrary to our hypotheses, however, we did not find significant effects for social anxiety. Results indicate that witnessing cyberbullying uniquely contributes to depressive symptoms for middle school students and students who witness both cyberbullying and school bullying are at the highest risk for depressive symptoms. Findings suggest the importance of providing programs to support middle school students who witness cyberbullying to reduce the mental health risks associated with being a bystander, particularly for students who also witness school bullying

The Effects of Students’ Perceptions of Teachers’ Anti-Bullying Behavior on Bullying Vicimization: Is Sense of School Belonging a Mediator?

This study evaluated the influence of students’ perceptions of teachers’ anti-bullying behavior and sense of school belonging on bullying victimization among elementary school students (N = 110). We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to test a mediational model in which we hypothesized sense of school belonging would mediate the relationship between students’ perceptions of teacher behavior and bullying victimization. Results supported the mediational model, indicating students’ perceptions of teachers’ anti-bullying behavior was positively related to sense of school belonging, which in turn was related to lower levels of bullying victimization. Findings highlight the importance of teachers in fostering a positive school climate to reduce bullying behavior. Implications for school-based bullying prevention and intervention programs are discussed

The Relationship Between Witnessing Bullying, Defending Targets, and Internalizing Symptoms: An Analysis of Gender Differences Among Sixth-Grade Students

We examined the moderating effect of gender on witnessing bullying, defending, and internalizing symptoms among sixth-grade students at one middle school in the northwestern United States. Results indicated that for females, witnessing bullying was positively associated with depressive symptoms and social anxiety, whereas for males, defending was positively associated with depressive symptoms. Findings suggest the importance of equipping female students with strategies to cope with witnessing bullying and providing male students with appropriate intervention skills for defending targets

A Mixed Method Evaluation of a Culturally Adapted, Brief, Bullying Bystander Intervention for Middle School Students

The purpose of this mixed method study was to examine the appropriateness of a brief, bullying bystander intervention (STAC) adapted for a middle school in a low-income, rural community with a predominantly White and Hispanic student body. We were also interested in understanding the experiences of the students who participated in the intervention. Quantitative analysis suggested that students gained knowledge about bullying, increased their confidence to intervene in bullying situations, and used the STAC strategies to intervene in bullying behavior. Analyzing the qualitative data using Consensual Qualitative Research methodology ([CQR] Hill et al.) revealed four domains in which students (a) reported using the STAC strategies across multiple contexts and settings, (b) spoke about fears related to intervening in bullying, yet intervened despite those fears, (c) described emotional benefits experienced after participating in the intervention and while using the STAC strategies, and (d) reported stronger interpersonal relationship after participating in the STAC intervention. This study extends the literature by providing preliminary support for a brief, bystander intervention adapted to address the need for culturally relevant bullying interventions for low-income, rural, ethnically-blended schools

Evaluation of a Youth Suicide Prevention Course: Increasing Counseling Students’ Knowledge, Skills, and Self-Efficacy

Adolescent suicide rates continue to rise within the United States. This study evaluated a Youth Suicide Prevention course in a Master’s in Counseling Program. Participants reported increases in knowledge and perceived ability to help suicidal clients post-training and in suicide prevention skills and suicide assessment and intervention self-efficacy at the 3-month follow-up. Implications for counselor education programs, such as using both experiential and didactic teaching methods, as well as timing suicide training before practicum, are discussed

Impact of a Brief, Bystander Bullying Prevention Program on Depressive Symptoms and Passive Suicidal Ideation: A Program Evaluation Model for School Personnel

The purpose of this article is to present a study that can serve as a model of program evaluation for school personnel that can be used to improve services and demonstrate program efficacy to key stakeholders. The study presented in this article evaluated the impact of a brief, bystander bullying program (“stealing the show,” “turning it over,” “accompanying others,” and “coaching compassion,” [STAC]) on depressive symptoms and passive suicidal ideation among middle school students in a rural, low-income community (N = 130). This topic was selected as there is limited research examining the efficacy of bystander programs on improving mental health outcomes for students trained to intervene. Results of the study indicated students trained in the STAC program reported reductions in depressive symptoms and passive suicidal ideation at a 6-week follow-up compared with an increase in symptoms reported by students in the control group. We discuss these findings and the use of program evaluation by school personnel to support prevention programming

Evaluation of a Youth Suicide Prevention Course: Increasing Counseling Students’ Knowledge, Skills, and Self-Efficacy

Adolescent suicide rates continue to rise within the United States. This study evaluated a Youth Suicide Prevention course in a Master’s in Counseling Program. Participants reported increases in knowledge and perceived ability to help suicidal clients post-training and in suicide prevention skills and suicide assessment and intervention self-efficacy at the 3-month follow-up. Implications for counselor education programs, such as using both experiential and didactic teaching methods, as well as timing suicide training before practicum, are discussed