Schools in the Gladstone area of Michigan are focusing on reducing bullying from a proactive and preventative approach. Dave Ballard, the Gladstone Junior High School principal, said overall bullying is handled similarly in each school.

For over a decade all sixth graders go through the Botvin LifeSkills Training Program. Ballard said the program provides strategies for students on how to handle peer pressure and other social situations that occur. He said it is a very successful program and they are looking to expand the training to include other grades too.

The Botvin program has been proven to reduce violence and delinquency as well as substance abuse. The evidence-based prevention program used in schools and communities throughout the US and in 39 countries around the world. LST has been extensively tested and proven to reduce tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use by as much as 80%. It is effective when implemented with different delivery formats, when taught by different providers, and when delivered to different populations. It also works with elementary school, middle school, and high school students. Long-term follow-up studies show that it produces prevention effects that are durable and long-lasting.

Read full article: Gladstone keeps eye on bullying – Daily Press