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Bullybusters: A creative school-wide anti-bullying program

 “Bullybusters”

In my opinion, watching an episode or drama performance about anything is often more impactful than reading a program because it engages emotions, makes the issue understandable through realistic scenarios, and creates active discussion and problem-solving. Performances appeal to diverse learning styles, which are more memorable, and provide visual models, in our case, for addressing bullying, creating a stronger and lasting longer connection to the message. Do you agree? What strategy would be better to really catch everyone’s attention to the Anti-Bullying programs?

Bullybusters is a creative school-wide anti-bullying program designed to help students identify and deal with bullying in a responsible and affecting way. This program uses drama students to perform pieces that highlight the negative consequences of bullying. 

The acts allow mainly students but also teachers and school workers to witness bullying scenarios in a non-threatening, impersonal context, helping them learn the real impact of such behaviours without feeling directly targeted. The goal of this program was to present a believable and familiar situation with which middle school students could identify.

The drama intentionally leaves some unresolved conflicts, and students were asked to explore and evaluate all possible alternative solutions and actions with their peers. After the drama, the principal reinforces the school's zero-tolerance policy on bullying, while teachers receive complete packets defining:  

  • The types of bullies 

  • The short and long-term effects of being a bully or a victim  

  • What it means to be a bystanders (outsider)

  • Specific strategies for dealing with bullies

Later, classroom discussions provide students with a safe space to express their opinions, fears, and feelings about bullying. Additionally, newsletters are sent to parents to keep them informed about the anti-bullying program and to encourage community-wide involvement.  

This program was well received by teachers, students, school administrators, and the community. There was a 20% reduction in the number o f bullying incidents reported at the middle school during the program's first year of existence (Beale & Scott, 2001).

Beale, A. V., & Scott, P. C. (2001). "Bullybusters": Using drama to empower students to take a stand against bullying behaviour. Professional School Counselling, 4(4), 300–305.


Comments

  1. AinaApril 29, 2025 at 10:04 AM

    Hello! I also believe that visual resources such as plays are more engaging and can help create a stronger connection with the message, especially in a school setting. I think children are more likely to pay attention to active formats like plays, videos, or episodes, rather than written texts, which usually require more focus.

    I find the program you're talking about really interesting, especially because it's performed by students. I really like that this method is used to connect with the audience and also involves them in resolving conflicts. I think it would be great if this program could be expanded and implemented in more schools and high schools.
    Thanks for sharing!
    - Aina Llastarry Pons

    ReplyDelete

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