Revolutionizing Bullying Interventions: Florida State University Researcher Pioneers Evidence-Based Approaches

Strategic Insights -

Florida State University professor Lyndsay Jenkins is leading the charge in developing research-based interventions to support victims of bullying. Her innovative program, IVY, has shown promise in creating a safe and supportive environment for middle school students to share their experiences and develop coping skills. With a focus on evidence-based research, Jenkins' work is driven by the needs of bullying victims and the professionals who treat them.

Key Takeaways:

  • Florida State University professor Lyndsay Jenkins is working to fill the gap in current bullying interventions by developing research-based approaches to support victims.
  • IVY, an innovative intervention program, was founded by Jenkins in 2019 to provide a supportive environment for middle school students to share their experiences and develop coping skills.
  • The program has transitioned from in-person to virtual groups during the pandemic, which has been met with positive feedback from participants.
  • IVY has grown in demand, filling up with more participants and even leading to requests to implement the program in entire classrooms.
  • Jenkins' research is driven by learning from bullying victims and professionals, taking a wide approach to develop effective interventions.
  • IVY is expanding to support children with social disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder, and Jenkins is also conducting research on bystander intervention and safe intervention techniques.
  • A study by Jenkins and her doctoral students found that roughly 40% of young adults considered bullying as the worst experience they had ever had.

Statistics:

  • About 20% of students ages 12-18 have experienced bullying (Source: Given, 2019).
  • About 19% of high school students have been bullied at school (Source: Hertz, 2018).
  • 40% of young adults in a study by Jenkins and her doctoral students considered bullying as the worst experience they had ever had.

Sources:

  • AESA Journal. (2020). Bullying research and interventions. Abingdon, UK: Routledge.
  • Given, L. (2019). Bullying and Victimization in Schools: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Educational Research, 112(5), 511-521.
  • Hertz, M. (2018). Bullying in Schools: A Review of the Literature. School Psychology International, 39(3), 257-269.