Chapter 12: Choice Reality Play Therapy for Children Involved in Bullying

Findings on the impact of bullying on students and the school environment illustrate a need for improved anti-bullying efforts in schools (Finkelhor, Turner, Ormrod, & Hamby, 2009; Finkelhor, Turner, Ormrod, Hamby, & Kracke, 2009; Kosciw, Greytak, Diaz, & Bartkiewicz, 2010; O’Brennan, Bradshaw, & Sawyer, 2009; Swearer, Espelage, Vaillancourt, & Hymel, 2010). Recent legislative responses in the United States have focused on bullying prevention efforts with both federal and state mandates holding schools accountable to develop anti-bullying policies and evidenced-based programs (U.S. Department of Education, 2011). In March 2011, the AntiBullying and Harassment Act of 2011 was introduced in Congress, and, to date, 49 states have passed legislation related to harassment, intimidation, and bullying in schools (stopbullying.gov, 2012). In light of the increased attention to aggressive behaviors at school, bullying has been designated as the dominant type of school violence.