Zero Tolerance Policy on Bullying

Today I stumbled upon the issue of zero tolerance policy on bullying in CQ Researcher.  In reading this article, I have learned that zero tolerance policy is ineffective when preventing acts of bullying.  Susan Limber, a professor at Clemson University's Institute on Family and Neighborhood Life who also studies the crime of kids in the 21st century.  From Limer's research, she states that zero tolerance policies, group treatment, peer meditation and too- simple solutions, such as a singe school assembly that are common will have no effect on changing school safety and their students.  The professor suggested to use a sustainable and comprehensive program to combat the situation.  The program she is endorsing is called the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program.  The program was developed in Norway and their method in promoting anti- bullying is by including a prevention- coordinating commmittee, regular classroom meetings on the crime, and immediate intervention and follow- up.  Many of the schools that use the program say that it reduced bullying in to 50% and achieved significant reductions in vandalism, fights, and thefts.
This program can be a breakthrough in wiping out the mess that bullies create in their schools and community and make it better.  But some experts are not convinced that bullying can be reduced especially for agressive older kids.  A study from the American Association of University Women found that while anti- bullying programs and policies have increased, the harassment still remains intact.  When bullying rises, it is best to stress early prevention, helping potential victms protect themselves (because they are more motivated to change behavior than the bully),  and teaching kids to "problem solve" - which is at least as effective as punishing bulliying according to Rigby.  Ken Rigby is an associate professor of social psychology at the University of Souther Australia.
Another way is to teach bystanders to deescalate the situation by standing up for the victims and not letting bullies win and overpower victims and not letting it happen in their community.  Bystanders are the perfect cures to stop bullying because they are trained to notify teachers and police officers.
Experts believe no matter what program you use to enforce bullying, its effectiveness depends on the school adminiostartion's commitment.  Right now it is still a heated argument on how to stop bullying with the best and most effective program known to man.  And experts are trying to find the program that stands out from the rest to make this deadly disease history.