Citation

Bruening RA, Orengo-Aguayo RE, Onwuachi-Willig A, Ramirez M. J. School Violence 2018; 17(3): 284-297.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15388220.2017.1322517

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Adolescent bullying is linked to numerous adverse psychosocial effects that can persist into adulthood. In response to this problem, in 2007 Iowa adopted an antibullying statute requiring all school districts to adopt an antibullying policy. From 2013-2014, 47 semistructured interviews were conducted with school and district administrators in Iowa. Administrators identified many policy implementation challenges including limited funding and staff, and difficulties selecting prevention programs, applying the law's bullying definition in investigations, and understanding the school's jurisdiction for policy enforcement. Contextual barriers to implementation (e.g., media portrayals of bullying and parental attitudes) also emerged. This is the first study to use the interactive systems framework to examine antibullying law implementation, highlighting the importance of coordination among research translators, supportive organizations, and on-the-ground implementers.

Language: en

Keywords

Adolescent health; bullying prevention and control; implementation; legislation; qualitative methods