Bullying isn’t just a discipline issue—it’s a public health concern.
- Kids who are bullied face higher risks of anxiety, depression and lower academic performance.
- Kids who bully are more likely to struggle with behavior issues, substance abuse and criminal activity.
Unlike a curriculum that may only address bullying within the classroom and for a limited period of time, OBPP addresses bullying at schoolwide, classroom, individual and community levels. The program has been found to reduce bullying among children, improve the social climate of classrooms, and reduce related antisocial behaviors, such as vandalism and truancy. The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program has been implemented in more than a dozen countries around the world and in thousands of schools in the United States.
As part of OBPP, the school customizes the program to meet their unique needs, and all school staff are trained on program implementation. It is designed and evaluated for use in elementary, middle, junior high and high schools (K-12).
OBPP provides student and school data so schools can evaluate the effectiveness of the program and make adjustments if necessary.
The positive impact of the program can be experienced up to eight years after implementation. (Olweus, Solberg, & Breivik, 2020)
OBPP Goals
OBPP Approach
OBPP is a cost-effective approach to prevent bullying and improve school climate.
The average cost to implement OBPP is less than $8 per student for the first year and approximately $2 per student in subsequent years.
The OBPP Coach Training includes an 18-month subscription which includes access to an OBPP mentor, annual student questionnaire and data dashboard, and materials to implement the program. At least one coach per school must attend OBPP Coach Training before subscription activation.
OBPP is recognized as a promising program by:
Have questions or ready to start your OBPP training?
- Register for OBPP Coach training, Sept. 9-11 (Tampa, FL), or Oct. 14–16 (virtual.) (Subscription is included with registration.)
- We also offer onsite training for your school or district.
Note: This website is in development. Please check back for updates and additional resources.
“This is a solid, research-based program that works with all students, all staff and the entire community to address ways to combat bullying in your school system. This program easily blends other school initiatives, such as PBIS, into learning of students’ needs before unfortunate situations arise. And by involving all staff…teachers, administrators, bus drivers, cooks, custodians, secretaries, aides…everyone has a stake in the game and who can disagree that everyone truly wants all students to be safe and healthy and free from bullying?”
– Ben Chafee, Jr., Superintendent, South Central Local Schools, Ohio
“Most adults and students agree that bullying behavior is a problem in our schools and youth activities today. Many of us want to intervene but often don’t know exactly how. The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program is research- and outcome-based and teaches concrete skills for adults in all environments and students of all ages for fighting against this serious threat to the safety and mental and physical health of our students. Addressing the problem in all the areas which touch the life of a child—school, community youth organizations and sports, school buses, playgroups and playgrounds—ensures that everyone knows exactly when, why, and how to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow into a future with safety, hope and joy.”
– Jessica Paige, Vancouver, Washington