The Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) is one of the most comprehensive anti-bullying programs in the United States, specifically designed to protect students from harassment, bullying, and discrimination in New York State. Created in 2012, DASA mandates that schools implement policies that foster respect and prevent bullying. The program focuses on the need for schools to provide a safe environment for all students, with particular emphasis on marginalized groups, such as LGBTQ+ youth, students with disabilities, and students from diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds.

For educators outside of New York, DASA’s principles align with broader anti-bullying best practices. Schools across the country can benefit from adopting similar strategies to ensure they meet the needs of all students and maintain a bullying-free environment. Educators in other states should seek local programs and trainings that reflect the same commitment to fostering respectful and inclusive school environments.

BP-PBIS is anevidence-based program integrated into a school's overall behavior management system. It focuses on teaching students to distinguish between respectful and disrespectful behaviors, aiming to reduce social attention to negative actions while promoting positive interactions. The curriculum includes lessons on responding to disrespectful behaviors, such as the "Stop/Walk/Talk" technique, and extends to issues like gossip and cyberbullying. Staff training is a crucial component, ensuring consistent responses to bullying incidents. 

Second Step offers a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum with a supplemental Bullying Prevention Unit designed for Kindergarten through 5th grade. It includes interactive lessons on recognizing and reporting bullying, as well as bystander intervention strategies. The program provides video stories co-written by children's author Trudy Ludwig and materials for families to reinforce classroom lessons. An online version is available for middle school students.

Developed by Dr. Dan Olweus, Clemson University’s OBPP is a comprehensive, evidence-based initiative designed to reduce and prevent bullying in elementary, middle, and high schools. Developed by Dr. Dan Olweus, a pioneer in bullying research, the program takes a multi-level approach by addressing bullying at the school, classroom, individual, and community levels. At the school level, OBPP establishes a Bullying Prevention Coordinating Committee, trains staff, and enforces clear, school-wide anti-bullying policies. In the classroom, teachers hold regular meetings to discuss bullying prevention, reinforce positive behaviors, and engage students in fostering a respectful environment. The program also provides targeted support for students involved in bullying incidents, working closely with parents to ensure a consistent approach at home and school.

OBPP's success lies in its evidence-based strategies and long-term commitment to creating a positive school climate. Schools implementing the program benefit from comprehensive staff training, regular assessments using the Olweus Bullying Questionnaire, and clear guidelines for responding to bullying behaviors. Research has shown significant results, including a large-scale study in Pennsylvania involving nearly 100,000 students across 70 schools. The study found notable reductions in self-reported bullying incidents and improvements in how students perceived teacher responsiveness. Schools that implemented OBPP for two years experienced even greater improvements compared to those that participated for just one year, highlighting the program’s long-term impact.

Schools that undergo the OBP training may experience meaningful reductions in bullying, improved peer relationships, and a more inclusive learning environment. The program not only equips staff and students with practical tools to address bullying but also encourages community involvement to sustain a culture of respect and kindness. OBPP’s holistic approach makes it one of the most effective bullying prevention programs available.

Facing History is a global non-profit organization founded in 1976, dedicated to empowering teachers and students to confront racism, antisemitism, and other forms of prejudice. By integrating the study of history, literature, and human behavior with ethical decision-making and innovative teaching strategies, the program promotes historical understanding, critical thinking, and social-emotional learning. Educators are provided with professional development resources to facilitate discussions on complex historical events, helping students draw connections between past injustices and contemporary issues.

The effectiveness of Facing History and Ourselves is supported by research. A study highlighted in the CASEL Program Guide—designed to help educators and school administrators select an evidence-based SEL program—indicates that students who participated in Facing History exhibited increased empathy, prosocial behavior, and a better classroom climate. Additionally, the program has been recognized for promoting students' abilities to ground reading, writing, and speaking in evidence from text, fostering critical academic skills alongside social awareness.

Positive Action is a digital and evidence-based SEL program predicated on the philosophy that individuals feel good about themselves when they do positive actions. The program includes scripted lessons that are easy to prepare and teach, covering topics like academic interests and cooperation with others. Materials include posters, games, worksheets, and puzzles. The curriculum has demonstrated outcomes such as a 41% reduction in bullying behaviors and a 75% reduction in violent behaviors.

Offered by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, T-BIP is a free, individualized program through the university’s Bullying Research and Victim Empowerment (BRAVE) Lab program. T-BIP is designed for students aged 7 to 18 involved in bullying, whether as perpetrators or victims. It consists of a one-on-one, three-hour cognitive-behavioral intervention tailored to specific student concerns.

Developed in Finland, KiVa is a research-based program aimed at preventing and reducing bullying behaviors. It includes student lessons, online games, and tools for teachers to address bullying incidents. Studies have shown its effectiveness in decreasing both bullying and victimization rates. 

Established in memory of Rachel Scott, the first student killed in the 1999 Columbine High School shooting, Rachel’s Challenge aims to create safer, more connected school communities by addressing the root causes of school violence, bullying, prejudice, and self-harm. Through live and digitally delivered social-emotional and mental health content, Rachel's Challenge promotes kindness, compassion, and empathy among students.

The program offers a variety of initiatives, including school assemblies, interactive training sessions, and the establishment of "Friends of Rachel" clubs, all designed to sustain a culture of respect and positivity. By sharing Rachel Scott's story and her vision of a "chain reaction" of kindness, Rachel's Challenge has reached millions of students and educators worldwide, fostering environments where individuals feel valued and connected.

Implementation of Rachel’s Challenge has led to statistically significant improvements in school climate, student engagement, and reductions in bullying and substance use. Additionally, participants have demonstrated higher standardized test scores in reading and math, indicating a link between a positive school environment and academic success.

A qualitative study conducted at Temple University examined the impact of Rachel's Challenge in a high school setting. The research found that the program improved school culture by fostering acceptance, inclusion, kindness, respect, and compassion. It also promoted the development of individual and community resilience, enhancing the ability to stand up against peer pressure and creating a sense of unity within the school community.

An international program created in Canada, The Roots of Empathy fosters empathy among students by bringing infants and their parents into classrooms. Through guided observations and discussions, students develop emotional understanding and reduce aggressive behaviors. Studies have shown that participants exhibit decreased aggression and increased prosocial behavior.

No Bullying Schools was founded by Tom Thelen, one of America’s top Anti-Bullying Speakers and the founder of ResetSchools.org, a nonprofit that teaches mental health skills in schools. As a mental health speaker, Tom has spoken at over 800 schools. No Bullying School’s evidence-based bullying curriculum includes a smartphone app and video lessons on bullying, social skills, and more.