If your child's school does not have a bullying prevention program already in place or if your child's school is using a program that is less than effective, bring this problem to the school's attention. The staff and administration at your child's school may think they are doing what is necessary by simply offering a bully prevention program each year.

But, as you well know, that may not be enough. Do your homework and gather information on the anti-bullying education and prevention programs that have the best known track record for decreasing bullying in schools (refer to this comprehensive list of existing bullying prevention programs).

Other possible ways to raise awareness of the need for focused and continuous bullying intervention, education, and prevention are:

• donate books on bullying and bullying prevention to the principal, faculty, and the school library

• provide printouts of the latest information and research on how to keep kids safe in schools

• offer to coordinate a bullying prevention task force and seek other concerned parents who might be willing to volunteer for the task force

• start a parent volunteer program to increase supervision in the school's trouble spots (where frequent bullying occurs)

• and keep an eye out for supplemental programs that could be offered in the school and provide that information to the principal.