by Dru Ahlborg, Executive Director of BRRC
As backpacks are packed, schedules are finalized, and excitement for a new school year begins to build, most parents and their children are thinking about teachers, supplies, and transportation.
Few are thinking about bullying. The truth is, the beginning of the school year is one of the best times to learn how your child’s school approaches bullying before your family ever needs that information.
One simple way to evaluate a school’s commitment is to look for what educator and bullying expert Barbara Coloroso describes as the Three P’s: Policies, Procedures, and Programs. Together, these three elements create the foundation for a school culture where students feel safe, supported, and respected.
Policies: More Than Words on Paper
Every school should have an anti-bullying policy, but not all policies are equally effective.
A meaningful policy clearly defines bullying, explains the different forms it can take including cyberbullying, and outlines the school’s commitment to protecting students. More importantly, it should be understood by everyone in the building, from administrators and teachers to office staff, bus drivers, and custodians.
Strong policies also encourage students and adults to speak up, making it clear that everyone has a role in creating a safe school environment.
Procedures: Turning Policy Into Action
A policy is only as effective as the procedures behind it.
When bullying is reported, families deserve to know what happens next. Effective procedures start with a detailed method of how bullying incidents should be reported. Is there a form or is it by email? In what time frame will the school follow up on the report? How will the report be investigated? How will the targeted student be protected? How will parents be informed? What steps will be taken to prevent the bullying from continuing?
Effective procedures don’t rely on a one-size-fits-all response. Instead, they hold students accountable while also focusing on repairing harm, restoring relationships when appropriate, and ensuring the targeted student feels safe returning to school.
Most importantly, schools should have a clear follow-up plan. Bullying isn’t resolved simply because the initial incident has ended.
Programs: Creating a Culture Where Bullying Doesn’t Thrive
The most successful schools don’t wait until bullying happens.
They intentionally build a culture of kindness, empathy, inclusion and belonging throughout the school year.
Whether through classroom discussions, literature, character education, peer mentoring, buddy programs, or opportunities to practice being an upstander, students learn that everyone plays a role in creating a respectful community.
Training for school staff is equally important. Every adult should understand what bullying looks like, how to respond appropriately, and how families can report concerns.
Questions Worth Asking
As your child heads back to school, consider asking a few simple questions:
- How does your school define bullying?
- How do students and parents report bullying?
- How quickly does the school respond?
- What supports are available for students who have been targeted?
- What prevention programs are offered throughout the year?
- How are staff members trained to recognize and respond to bullying?
And perhaps the most revealing question of all:
“Does bullying happen at your school?”
If the answer is “No,” it may be worth asking a few follow-up questions.
Bullying can happen in every school. What matters isn’t whether it occurs but how quickly, consistently, and compassionately the school responds when it does.
Schools with strong policies, thoughtful procedures, and meaningful programs are better equipped to stop bullying, support targeted students, and foster environments where every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive.
As a parent, you don’t have to wait until there’s a problem to start the conversation. Asking these questions now can help you better understand your school’s commitment to student safety and ensure your child begins the year with the support they deserve.
If your child experiences bullying and you’re unsure what to do next, Bullying Recovery Resource Center is here to help. We provide education, advocacy, and resources to help families navigate bullying and work toward lasting solutions.
Together, we can help every child start the school year feeling safe, supported, and ready to learn.
