KiVa anti-bullying program: preventing bullying and reducing Bulling Behavior among students – a scoping review

KiVa Anti-Bullying Program: Proven Strategies to Prevent and Reduce Student Bullying, Research by Universitas Padjadjaran and Prince of Songkhla University

A team of researchers from Universitas Padjadjaran, led by Rohman Hikmat, and a partner from Prince of Songkhla University, conducted a scoping review to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of the KiVa anti-bullying program in preventing and reducing bullying behaviors among students aged 6 to 15 years. The review covered 11 studies, including randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs, with sample sizes ranging from just over a thousand to more than twenty-three thousand students across elementary to high school levels.

Findings demonstrate that the KiVa program significantly reduces bullying behaviors (p < 0.05) through a comprehensive approach that involves teachers, government bodies, students, and health professionals working collaboratively to establish effective prevention systems. The program’s activities include education, assertiveness and empathy training, role-playing, counseling, and interactive games. Importantly, the interventions can be delivered both online and offline, allowing for broad accessibility.

This research underscores the need for regular monitoring and targeted support for victims and perpetrators alike to prevent the recurrence of bullying. The development and expansion of online modules hold promise for reaching more students and effectively combating bullying at scale.

These efforts strongly support Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by fostering safer, healthier school environments conducive to learning and psychosocial well-being.

For the full study, visit: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-20086-8