Bullying is common in elementary school—and it's more likely to happen in classrooms that are chaotic
By Qingqing Yang, May 4, 2026
About 1 in 4 elementary students in the United States reports being bullied at least once during a given school year.
Children who are frequently bullied are more likely to struggle in school, experience poorer physical health and face higher risks of depression, anxiety and substance use as they age. These effects can persist into adulthood, contributing to unemployment and financial instability.
In New York, theSupreme Court(the trial court in New York), held that educators have “ultimate authority for access to students, school buildings and school property.” The litigation arose out a dispute over access by a person responsible for an afterschool program held on school grounds. As the relationship between the person and educators began to dissolve, including an incident in which the person “left the school grounds after being issued trespass papers,” educators sent a letter advising the person that “he was prohibited from entering upon any (school district) property without express prior written consent from the office of (the Superintendent).” The court upheld the decision by the school district. Applying clearly established law, the court ruled that “an unfettered right to access school grounds does not exist.” First, the court held that “a school has a duty to ensure the safety of its students in its physical custody or orbit of authority.” Second, “there is a long-standing judicial deference afforded local school boards to exercise ultimate authority for access to students, school buildings and school property.” Third, the test for examining the use of this authority is based upon the status of public schools as “a nonpublic forum (in which) the administrations thereof may therefore control access to the School based on subject matter and speaker identity so long as the distinctions drawn are reasonable in light of the purpose served by the forum and are viewpoint neutral.” The court cited the record to rule that “here, District Respondents implemented a requirement that petitioner must request written permission from Respondent Superintendent at least 72 hours in advance of entering school property based upon two documented confrontations.” Therefore, the school district “rationally determined that the school district’s decision to require that petitioner obtain written permission from its superintendent before he can enter school grounds, particularly where the restriction is subject to annual review at petitioner’s request, is entirely appropriate under the circumstances.”Wagner v. Rosa
In Virginia, officials in the Newport News Public Schools are implementingsafety upgrades to their campuses. The upgrades “include weapon detection systems, clear backpack requirements, expanded security staffing, and stricter visitor access procedures.” The new policies are viewed as a response to a “ 2024 grand jury report (that) found multiple safety concerns and administrative failures leading up to (a) shooting, in which first-grade teacher Abby Zwerner was shot by a 6-year-old studentwho brought a gun to school.
In Missouri, the legislature is considering addingarmed “Missouri Rangers”to school campuses to enhance student safety.House Bill 905 would “allow schools to hire volunteer or paid guards called “Missouri Rangers” who could carry a gun on school grounds.” The legislation “proposes a maximum of 160 hours of training, specifying that the program must include lessons on “close quarter combat,” bomb and arson training, de-escalation among others.”
In Delaware, the legislature is recommending a policy “that would allow trained andauthorized employees to carry guns on private school property.” Senate Bill 304“would create an exemption within Delaware’s Safe School Zone law to allow designated “sentries” to carry a gun or projectile weapon on private school campuses under strict training and oversight requirements.” Each person “would have to be employees of the private school and hold a valid concealed carry permit or qualifying law enforcement credentials.”
Olweus Bullying Prevention Program School Coach Training
June 15-17 | Virtual
July 6-8 | Farrell, PA
Oct. 13-15 | Virtual
A schoolwide bullying prevention program is one of the most effective ways to improve school climate—but it requires more than a training or a set of materials.
It requires structure, ownership, and follow-through. The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP) is designed with that reality in mind.
Here’s what successful implementation actually depends on:
A clearly defined leader A trained school-based coach who understands the framework and can guide the work internally.
A team-based approach A coordinating committee that shares responsibility and ensures the work doesn’t fall on one person.
Data to guide decisions Regular student survey data to identify where bullying is happening and track progress over time.
Consistency across staff Shared expectations and responses so students experience the same standards in every setting.
Ongoing support—not one-time training Mentorship and consultation to help schools navigate challenges during implementation.
The OBPP School Coach Course (June 15–17) is designed to prepare your school for each of these components—so implementation is realistic, manageable, and sustainable.
If you’re considering OBPP, this course is where the process becomes actionable.
Here to Help Improve School Safety and Prevent School Violence
The National Center for School Safety, housed at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention, offers resources and expertise to implement evidence-based programs that support students and strengthen communities.
Looking for funding opportunities? Visit the Pennsylvania Discover State Grants site to search for open solicitations and grant opportunities that support growth, innovation, and success across the state.
Organizations interested in funding opportunities through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) are encouraged to visit the Funding and Grants Process webpage to learn more about available programs and the application process.
