Answer by Researcher byrd on Mon 27 Oct 2008 - 10:30 pm UTC:

Hello Schlodge, 

As you know, of course, bullying is a serious problem and it is one which
occurs worldwide across all boundaries, one which can have unfortunate and
even tragic consequences. Fortunately awareness as to the seriousness of
this problem has become more apparent in recent years and this problem,
once brushed aside, is now being taken seriously with the result that there
is much research already and currently being done with data available
indicating the success rates of various approaches to preventing and/or
eliminating bullying. There are also a number of different programs and
methods one can use to try to get a handle on the problem. 

As you asked, I've stayed away from any solutions that talk primarily about
legal options. I've also tried to find a variety of international programs
and resources, although I could find nothing specifically for Southeast
Asia. However, since bullying is above all a human problem, not a
geographic one, even those approaches that are more specifically targeted
to Americans or Australians or Europeans may still have some value in your
situation, some possible approaches that may serve to help the kids you're
working for and with. And since you said the children you work with are
orphans, I've also tried to concentrate on solutions, programs and
suggestions that are not primarily targeted to parents, though your group
of volunteers and the children's teachers may of course act as parental
substitutes in implementing some of those suggestions given to parents. One
other thing to keep in mind is that though some programs involve onsite
workshops that may not work in your situation, most also provide written
materials and a framework that you may be able to adapt for putting on your
own training and/or implementing a custom tailored program. 

Following are the results of my research. It includes a list of programs,
other resources, organization, and a list of what appeared to be some of
the best papers, books and articles on this subject. The programs are
listed in order of apparent importance, i.e. frequency of listing,
citation, and recommendation. The other lists are alphabetical. If after
going over these resources you still have questions or need further
assistance, please ask for a clarification and I'll be happy to respond.
Best wishes to you, and to the young people you're trying to help. 

Kindest regards,

Byrd

===========
 PROGRAMS
===========

OLWEUS BULLYING PREVENTION PROGRAM
This Norwegian program, developed in the mid-1980s, is effective, known and
respected worldwide, and has become the foundation of many successive
anti-bullying programs. It was conceived and authored by Dan Olweus, who
"is generally recognized as a pioneer and Founding Father of research on
bully/victim problems and as a world leading expert in this area both by
the research community and by the society at large (e.g., described with
terms such as 'the world's leading authority' by the British newspaper "The
Times" and several other international newspapers)." 

The program's "goals are to reduce and prevent bullying problems among
school children and to improve peer relations at school. 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 Program has been implemented in more than one dozen
countries around the world." 

Note that there are some costs involved in implementing this program. The
site has links to information about these expected costs and are fairly
easy to find from the menu selections. The costs do not seem excessive but
since you are volunteers you will probably want to keep that in mind for
possible budgeting or fundraising. 
http://www.clemson.edu/olweus/index.html  
http://www.clemson.edu/olweus/history.htm  
http://www.unifobhelse.uib.no/index.php?Gruppe=8&Lang=eng&ID=Nyheter&counter=1120


BULLIES 2 BUDDIES
This program is based on what its founders say is empirical evidence that
most typical anti-bullying programs don't work. Their approach instead is
teaching victims to be victors by showing them how to befriend the bullies,
turning them from enemies to friends. The program bills itself as "The
sensible alternative to the anti-bully movement." Since most other programs
contain at least some elements of the Olweus program, this appears to be
one viable and different alternative. See it at:
http://www.bullies2buddies.com/  

DON'T LAUGH AT ME (DLAM)
This program was developed by "Operation Respect," "Founded by Peter Yarrow
of the folk group Peter, Paul & Mary." There are several free programs
available, "one for grades 2-5, another for grades 6-8 and a third for
summer camps and after-school programs," which are " are designed to
establish a climate that reduces the emotional and physical cruelty some
children inflict upon each other by behaviors such as ridicule, bullying
and-in extreme cases-violence."  "All of the programs utilize inspiring
music and video along with curriculum guides based on the well-tested,
highly regarded conflict resolution curricula developed by the Resolving
Conflict Creatively Program (RCCP) of Educators for Social Responsibility
(ESR)." Program includes workshops but also standalone materials and online
help. 
http://www.dontlaugh.org  
"Don't Laugh At Me" - song performed by Peter, Paul & Mary
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbBWsscli_4  
"Don't Laugh At Me" - lyrics
http://www.lyricsdepot.com/mark-wills/dont-laugh-at-me.html   

STEPS TO RESPECT
Although this is a whole-school program that includes an element for
parents, other caregivers and/or volunteers might take over this role. The
program strives to help schools and institutions create an atmosphere that
"sends a message to students that it's safe to come forward when there is a
problem and that adults will take steps to help them." 
http://www.cfchildren.org/programs/str/overview/  

SECOND STEP
Is an evidence-based "violence prevention program [that] integrates
academics with social and emotional learning." It includes teaching social
skills "such as empathy, emotion management, problem solving, and
cooperation." Not free but does offer free program support. 
http://www.cfchildren.org/programs/ssp/overview/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=second+step1&utm_content=prevent+school


R.E.A.L. H.O.P.E.
This Australian program is one of those that may not work as-is since it
involves booking a workshop, but may nevertheless be adaptable for use in
your locale. It's very innovative, combining clowning, peace, non-violence
and anti-bullying "to inspire and instruct peaceful behaviors." There is a
great deal of information given on the website and a dvd is available as
well. 
http://www.worldpeacefull.com/realhopePrimary.htm  

INCREDIBLE YEARS
Provides "research-based, proven effective programs for reducing children's
aggression and behavior problems and increasing social competence at home
and at school."
http://www.incredibleyears.com/  

NO BULLY
"Our goal is for all students to develop the social and emotional
intelligence that will give them greater success in their peer
relationships, their academic performance and in their adult lives. We
offer a choice of powerful workshops, trainings and consultation to make
this happen."
http://www.nobully.com/  

BUDDY DUDDY AND BULLY
Anti-bullying program targeted toward elementary schools and children. Not
free. It uses a combination of video clips and printed materials to inform
and instruct students. The goal of the program is "For each student at your
school . . .[to] Be happy - be a "Buddy", and turn your school into a Bully
FREE Zone." 
http://www.budwins.com/cgi/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=BDAB&gclid=CMetobGPyJYCFQXGsgodjX8oxw


BULLY FROG PROGRAM
"The Bully Frog Program is a Character Education program for both
Elementary and Middle School, that finally gives educators, students and
parents an entertaining, interactive and effective way to help students
successfully deal with bullying and cyberbullying behavior." Program
consists of workshops and printed materials. Not free. 
http://www.bullyfrog.com/  

THE ABC's OF BULLYING PREVENTION: A COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOLWIDE APPROACH
This is a complete package for schools, authored by Dr. Kenneth Shore,
educational and family psychologist, includes four dvds with manual. Not
free. It includes "strategies that are based on current research which can
be integrated into the fabric of the school.
http://www.learningemall.com/Sgeneral/productsql.asp?ProductCode=WG02050007



==================
 OTHER RESOURCES 
==================

ANTI-BULLYING BUDGET FILMS
You might want to consider an approach others have tried with some success,
which is involving young people in creating and producing their own
low-cost anti-bullying film. See this site which gives more information and
a link to watch one such film:
http://www.4kids.org.uk/  

BEST PRACTICES IN BULLYING PREVENTION
This list is taken from the above resource and base in part on "Limber, S.
P. (2004, Winter), What works and doesn't work in bullying prevention and
intervention. Student Assistance Journal. 16-19.  It sets out the main
points of the program in a neat summary form. 
http://www.stopbullyingworld.org/Best-Practices-In-Bullying-Prevention_W418.cfm


BULLYING COURSE
This website offers a number of online courses for children and adults on
the topic of bullying, with the aim of the " prevention of bullying through
education and awareness." Not free. 
http://www.bullyingcourse.com/  

BULLYING RESEARCH
This site is an online resource "established in 2005 as a means of
gathering the extensive work done on the issue of school bullying onto one
easily accessible website. It includes listings of websites, papers, books,
articles and researchers.  The site "lists research from around the world
and in a number of languages." 
http://www.bullyingresearch.com/  

BULLYING STOPS WHEN RESPECT BEGINS
Aimed at students, this program from "Keys to Safer Schools," "is a
school-based social & emotional learning program designed to bring new
awareness to the problem, develop understanding about the issue, implement
new skills to empower, to decrease bullying and help you (the student)
build more respectful, caring peer relationships." 
http://www.keystosaferschools.com/BullyingStopswhenRespectBegins.htm 
http://keystosaferschools.com/  

"MAKING THE DIFFERENCE" 
is "a 30-minute film by young people for young people on the subject of
bullying.... Andy Hickson, the film's director, says: 'It is important to
give young people ownership over their anti-bullying interventions. This
film not only does that, it gives them a full voice without censorship.'" 
http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/wholeschool/behaviour/tacklingbullying/makingthedifferencefilm/


PACER CENTER'S "KIDS AGAINST BULLYING" 
Interactive site with resources for parents/caregivers and kids to combat
bullying. Includes games, contests, true stories, education information and
videos. There is also an html version of the site for those without
broadband access and gives video transcripts. 
http://www.pacerkidsagainstbullying.org/?gclid=CM3ru5GLyJYCFRKIxwodFGW1xQ 

THE QUEST FOR THE GOLDEN RULE
Easy to use bullying prevention software providing virtual role plays for
experiential learning. Not free, evidence-based on PREVNet (see below) 
research. Designed for grades 2-5. 
http://www.practiquest.com/?gclid=CMmN7JO1yJYCFQZeswod7zZSyg   

SAFE CHILD
This site offers a number of resources for prevention of and recovery from
bullying, including books, programs, and consultation services. Not free. 
http://www.safechild.org/  

STOP BULLYING NOW! Information, Prevention, Tips and Games Resource from
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, "Health Resources and
Services Administration" section on bullying, with a lot of free
information, help and resources for both adults and children. 
http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/index.asp?area=main  

A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE INSTITUTE 
This educational resource under the auspices of the Anti-Defamation League
"is a leading provider of anti-bias education and diversity training
programs and resources. The Institute seeks to help participants: recognize
bias and the harm it inflicts on individuals and society; explore the value
of diversity; improve intergroup relations; and combat racism,
anti-Semitism and all forms of prejudice and bigotry." Its programs include
the award winning student leadership program, " Becoming An Ally:
Interrupting Name Calling and Bullying" and the "Names Can Really Hurt US"
assembly program. 
http://www.adl.org/education/edu_awod/default.asp  
http://www.adl.org/education/edu_awod/awod_pilot.asp  


================
 ORGANIZATIONS
================

ANTI-BULLYING ALLIANCE (UK)
This is an umbrella group under the auspices of the National Children's
Bureau with more than 50 member organizations dedicated to the prevention
and eradication of bullying. I've included the main link as well as direct
links to several member organization homepages. There is a lot of helpful
and usable information here for setting up anti-bullying programs and other
intervention measures. 
http://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/Page.asp?sve=1173  
Young Voice - Anti-Bullying Network for the West Midlands
http://www.young-voice.org/westmid/resources.asp?Category=2  
Brighton & Hove's Anti-Bullying Website
http://www.coastkid.org/  

ANTI-BULLYING NETWORK (Scotland) 
A not-for-profit company with " the following objectives: to support
anti-bullying work in schools; to operate a website providing information
about bullying and how it can be tackled; to research and develop effective
strategies to address the verbal, psychological and physical harassment and
violence called bullying; to promote research into bullying and support
work seeking to reduce bullying; and to operate an anti-bullying service
which will include the provision of training, publications and consultancy
services."
http://www.antibullying.net/  

INTERNATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION ASSOCIATION (Massachusetts, USA)
"It has taken more than three decades of academic study of bullying
behaviors, public revelations and attention to the true consequences for
those who bully and those who are bullied and world-wide media coverage of
incidents of unspeakable cruelty, suicide, and homicide, to bring
educators, students, law enforcement, health care workers, and parents
together in a global effort to do something about it.

"The International Bullying Prevention Association welcomes you to join us
as we work together to take research-based best practices into our
countries, schools and communities, to make our world a more welcoming and
safer place for all.
 
"The mission of the International Bullying Prevention Association is to
support and enhance quality research based bullying prevention principles
and practices in order to achieve a safe school climate, healthy work
environment, good citizenship and civic responsibility."
http://www.stopbullyingworld.org/  


===================================
 BOOKS, ARTICLES, PAPERS and POSTS
===================================

"Anti-Bullying Programs Are Proving Effective" by Julia Levy, Staff
Reporter, New York Sun
Reports on successes of various approaches and programs used in New York
public schools, with some good details and examples. 
http://www.nysun.com/new-york/anti-bullying-programs-are-proving-effective/11655/


"Bullying"
From "Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence" network (PREVNet),
a coalition of Canadians concerned about bullying. Much other useful
information on this site. 
http://prevnet.ca/Bullying/tabid/94/Default.aspx  

"Don't Feed the Bully" 
“In a nutshell: Don't Feed the Bully is an important self-help book for
pre-teens that is cleverly disguised as a hilarious, fictional novel. 
Don't Feed the Bully provides practical advice to children on the extremely
important topic of bullying.  Yet it delivers that advice in a humorous,
captivating plot that makes putting the book down nearly impossible." Can
be purchased as a bound book, or downloaded as an e-book for very little
cost. 
http://www.dontfeedthebully.com/  

"Every School Should Have One" 
"Using first-hand accounts from teachers, pupils and staff, this 16-page
report highlights the incredibly positive effects peer support can have on
pupils and schools. In the report, teachers and staff discuss how peer
support schemes at their schools have reduced bullying and other discipline
problems while increasing attendance." 
http://www.nspcc.org.uk/inform/resourcesforteachers/classroomresources/everyschool_wda55394.html


"How Effective Are Anti-Bullying Programs" by Elona Hartjes.  
Post on the "Teachers at Risk" blog owned by the author, a Canadian special
education teacher, winner of the "Teacher of Distinction" award. This post
is the last in a series of posts on bullying, and includes links to the
full series. 
http://www.teachersatrisk.com/2007/05/14/how-effective-are-anti-bully-programs/

"Perfect Targets" By Rebekah Heinrichs, Brenda Smith Myles
Although this book is aimed specifically at bullying of children with
Asberger's Syndrome, it references the Olweus Program and has other good
information on preventing and dealing with bullying in general. An
excellent reference. 
http://tinyurl.com/5ljaj3 

"Prevent Bullying" by Jamie Littlefield, Senior Editor, "Children's
Issues"
"In just fifteen minutes you can help stop bullying in your community by
learning how to recognize bullying, educating others, and intervening to
stop children from being harmed by bullies." 
http://www.charityguide.org/volunteer/fifteen/bullying.htm