What Really Works? Psychological Mechanisms and Effective Strategies for Reducing Bullying

Bullying is one of those phenomena that everyone talks about, yet few truly understand its underlying mechanisms, which is why combating it effectively is so challenging. Although schools implement numerous preventive measures, their effectiveness varies, and some popular solutions turn out to be less impactful than commonly assumed.

This workshop offers a critical overview of psychological methods used to counter peer violence, debunking ineffective solutions and focusing on key mechanisms such as group norms and the role of bystanders. Theoretical approaches will be contrasted with unique research findings gathered from over 20,000 Polish students, highlighting how school climate, neurodiversity, and non-binary identity impact youth wellbeing. Participants will also explore a practical effectiveness analysis of the RESQL program, enabling them to evaluate which preventive actions bring about real change and which merely create the illusion of it.