At Windhoek International School (WIS), we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for all students. This year, we are proud to launch the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP) as a schoolwide initiative under the guidance and training of our School Counsellor, Ms. Bianca Salamon. The OBPP Steering Committee recently completed an intensive two-day training, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to lead this important initiative.
What is the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program?
The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program is a research-based, whole-school approach designed to reduce bullying, prevent new cases from arising, and create a more positive school climate. Used worldwide, OBPP is one of the most highly regarded and evidence-based programs for bullying prevention.
The Four Bullying Prevention Rules
To create a culture of respect and safety, WIS students, staff, and families are encouraged to embrace and discuss the Four Bullying Prevention Rules:
We will not bully others.
We will try to help students who are bullied.
We will try to include students who are left out.
If we know that somebody is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school and an adult at home.
Definition of Bullying
Dan Olweus defines bullying as when someone repeatedly and on purpose says or does mean or hurtful things to another person who has a hard time defending himself or herself.
How Bullying Differs from Peer Conflict
It is important to distinguish bullying from peer-on-peer conflict and other forms of interpersonal disagreements. Bullying involves a power imbalance, where one individual repeatedly exerts control over another through physical, verbal, relational, or cyber means. In contrast, peer conflicts are typically mutual disagreements where both parties have equal power and the ability to resolve the issue fairly. Unlike everyday conflicts, bullying is intentional, repeated, and causes significant distress to the targeted individual.
Types of Bullying Identified by Olweus
Bullying comes in many forms, and OBPP emphasizes the importance of recognizing all types, including:
Physical Bullying: Hitting, pushing, or damaging property.
Verbal Bullying: Name-calling, threats, or teasing.
Relational Bullying: Excluding others, spreading rumors, or intentional social isolation.
Cyberbullying: Using technology to harass, embarrass, or intimidate others.
Students at WIS will soon be taking the Olweus Bullying Questionnaire. It will ask specific questions about the following forms of bullying:
• verbal bullying
• social exclusion or isolation
• physical bullying
• bullying through lies and false rumors
• having money or other things taken or damaged
• threats or being forced to do things
• racial bullying
• sexual bullying
• cyber-bullying (via cell phone or the Internet)
Key Components of the OBPP
The OBPP framework ensures that bullying prevention is embedded in the entire school culture. The program includes:
School-Level Components: Formation of a Bullying Prevention Coordinating Committee, improved supervision, and regular staff discussions.
Classroom-Level Components: Class meetings, rule reinforcement, and integration of bullying prevention into the curriculum.
Individual-Level Components: Support for students involved in bullying (both victims and perpetrators) and parental involvement.
Community-Level Components: Outreach to families and community members to reinforce the program’s principles outside of school.
Moving from Bystanders to Upstanders
A critical goal of OBPP is to empower students to become upstanders, not passive bystanders. By teaching students to:
Recognize bullying when it happens,
Stand up for peers in safe and appropriate ways,
Report incidents to trusted adults,
Actively include those who feel isolated; create a culture of kindness, respect, and responsibility that benefits the entire WIS community.
Common Misconceptions About Bullying
Many misconceptions about bullying persist, and the Olweus Program is effective because it actively avoids them. Some common myths include:
“Bullying is just a normal part of growing up.” → No, it has serious long-term consequences.
“Kids need to work it out themselves.” → No, adults must be involved in preventing and addressing bullying.
“Only physical aggression counts as bullying.” → No, verbal, relational, and cyberbullying are just as harmful.
“Bullies are just insecure and need more self-esteem.” → Research shows that some students who bully have high self-esteem and use power to control others.
What Comes Next?
WIS will host a community-wide launch event later this year, where students, parents, and staff will come together to solidify our commitment to bullying prevention. However, families don’t need to wait! Start conversations at home today about the Four Bullying Prevention Rules and encourage your children to be upstanders.
Together, we can make WIS a safer, more inclusive space for everyone.
Sincerely,
Ethan Van Drunen
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