Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP)

Program Overview

The program prevents bullying and improves school climate. It works at the whole-school level — with school-wide, classroom, individual and community components — and is evidence-based: anonymous student surveys, staff training and support, clear rules, and involvement of families and the local community. It was developed in response to a sharp rise in school bullying in Norway, where the government required schools to adopt anti-bullying measures.

OBPP was developed by Dan Olweus in Norway and treats bullying as a systemic school-environment problem. The model changes norms, supervision and rules while providing individual work with students who bully or are targeted. It combines an anonymous student survey, a school coordination committee, classroom discussions, family involvement and consistent adult action.

Who It Is For

A whole-school, evidence-based approach to preventing bullying.

Typically works with: Primary and secondary schools, leaders, teachers, families and community partners.

Where It Puts the Emphasis

• Clear anti-bullying norms and rules
• Student voice through anonymous surveys
• Adult presence in high-risk areas
• Individual support for all students involved

What It Develops

• Bullying prevention
• school climate
• safety
• community involvement

Implementation

1. 1
   Assess the climate

   Use an annual anonymous student survey to understand bullying patterns.
2. 2
   Coordinate the school

   Create a committee and train staff in consistent prevention and response.
3. 3
   Build classroom routines

   Discuss relationships and bullying weekly in younger grades and biweekly in older grades.
4. 4
   Support individuals

   Work directly with students who bully, students who are targeted and their parents.

Available Resources

• Curriculum and lesson materials
• Educator guides
• Provider website