Bullying Prevention

The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP) is an in-school, evidence-based Blueprints program for youth that prevents or reduces bullying and improves peer relationships. The program uses multiple interventions that “restructure the existing school environment to reduce opportunities and rewards for bullying.” Overall results of the program include improvements in the school and community climate, reductions in youth anti-social behaviors and substance abuse and improvements in youths’ relationships in and outside of school.

Potter County’s Olweus Bullying Prevention Program targets middle school students in all 5 of the Potter County School Districts. In Year 1, the program will be implemented in Coudersport (grades 7-8) and Galeton (grades 4-8). In Year 2, it will be implemented in Northern Potter (grades 7-8), Austin (grades 4-7) and Oswayo Valley (grades 6-8). We expect to serve a minimum of 475 students per year in the second year, when the program will be fully operational. This program will be funded by a 4 year grant from the PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency.