Cross-Age Buddies Programs Take On Bullying

A Social Epidemic

We’ve been hearing a lot about bullying lately. One of the most alarming findings on the issue is just how pervasive it is—researchers now think that bullying, which was once thought to concern only a handful of individuals, actually affects between one-third and three-quarters of students. This shocking statistic reveals two truths: First, that bullying, by its very nature, usually goes undetected by adults. Secondly, that bullying is a social issue, requiring a school-wide effort to resolve. 

 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services cites “a focus on improving the social environment of the school” as the number one best practice in bullying prevention. A cross-age buddies program, like the one featured in DSC’s Caring School Community® program, is a simple and effective strategy to improve the social climate of a school.

How Buddies Programs Work

A cross-age buddy program pairs classes of older and younger students—typically two or more grades apart—for academic and social activities. Regular one-on-one meetings throughout the year allow buddy pairs to get to know each other and form genuine relationships. Serving as role models for younger buddies gives older students a chance to use their power positively. Buddies programs give older students:

• The satisfaction of being given responsibility
• The respect of a younger person
• Practice using social skills such as patience and empathy

For younger children, buddies programs can provide:

• Opportunuties for one-on-one attention
• A mentor relationship with an older student

When younger children feel they are part of an extended school family, they learn to value kindness and respect early on, perpetuating the cycle of caring.

A Community Solution

By fostering cross-grade relationships, buddies programs unite a school. A caring school community, in which every student has an ally, is not an environment conducive to the intimidation and isolation of bullying. Children who have well-developed social skills and opportunities for responsibility are less likely seek power aggressively through bullying. Children who feel valued and at home in their schools are less likely to suffer from the insecurity and anxiety make attractive bullying targets. 

These lasting effects make a well implemented buddies program an ideal means of combating the bullying epidemic on the individual and community level.  Buddies remind us of how the most effective solutions to social problems at school are rooted not in discipline, but in school-wide commitment to community.

Contributors from the Program Development Team: Charlotte Maclennan, Susie Alldredge