Evaluating Your School’s Anti-Bullying Measures

We encourage parents to take proactive steps to help ensure a safe school environment for your child. These questions for school administrators are based on our conversations with experts in the field, academic research, guidance about best practices, and our own experiences. 

Understanding Your School’s Approach to Bullying Prevention

• What are the school’s policies and practices regarding bullying?

• Is cyberbullying explicitly addressed in the school's anti-bullying policies? 

• Has the school trained faculty and staff on how to respond to incidents of bullying?

• Has the school implemented a social-emotional learning (SEL) program?

Learning about Your School’s Reporting and Documentation Procedures

• Can students and parents anonymously report bullying?

• How does the school encourage students, including bystanders, to report incidents of bullying?

• Are all school faculty and staff (including coaches and facilities and cafeteria staff) required to report bullying and cyberbullying?

Examining How Your School Notifies Parents and Conducts Its Investigation

• What actions does the school take when it learns of bullying and how quickly?

• Does the school inform the parents of both the perpetrator and victim within 24 hours of observing or learning about bullying or cyberbullying?

• Does the school initiate an investigation within 24 hours of learning about the bullying and who is responsible for conducting it?

• Are the parents of the victim informed about the outcome of the investigation?

Reviewing Your School’s Practices for Victim and Bystander Safety and Support

• How does the school protect victims and bystanders who report bullying from retaliation?

• How does the school educate students on effective ways to intervene and support victims when they witness or learn about bullying?