Bullying and Violence on the Rolling Hotspot: An Assessment of Behavioral Management Strategies for the School Bus

• In Event: Research on Innovative Strategies to Promote School Safety

Abstract

Millions of children in the United States regularly ride the bus to and from school. Despite the known advantages of school-based transportation, previous research has indicated that the unique physical and social environment of the school bus makes it one of the leading locations for bullying and violence. In response, researchers, school officials, and other stakeholders have recommended strategies for managing students’ behaviors on the bus, including the use of surveillance technology, bus attendants, and training programs for drivers. However little is known regarding the use of these strategies, or their effectiveness. This study was funded by the National Institute of Justice to better understand what school districts are currently doing to control students’ behaviors on the bus. Preliminary results are presented from a national web-based survey administered to transportation directors in the U.S. to describe the range and perceived value of behavioral management strategies used on school buses, to identify the most commonly used strategies, and to assess whether district characteristics are associated with the selection and perceived efficacy of particular efforts. Information received regarding the types of behavioral management strategies used by districts is organized into a theoretical taxonomy.

Authors

• Joshua Hendrix, RTI International

• James Trudeau, RTI International