Sit with Us: Anti-Bullying Strategies for Arkansas Schools

Bullying is a major problem in our society, and it affects the physical, emotional, and academic health of our children and youth. Moreover, the experience of peer mistreatment can leave invisible scars for all involved—the victims, the bystanders, and the bullies themselves. ArkansasIDEAS’ Sit With Us: Anti-Bullying Strategies for Arkansas Schools calls you to join our distinguished panel, including national expert Dr. Charisse Nixon and veteran Arkansas educators, as they explore Arkansas’s Act 1029, an Act to Amend the State Anti-Bullying Policy, and problem-solve simulated scenarios based on in-the-trenches experiences. 

This course meets the anti-bullying training requirements of ACA 6-17-711.

United: Identifying Bullying Behaviors and Prevention Strategies

According to the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Study, 19.5% of high school students in the United States reported being bullied while on school property during the previous 12 months. In Arkansas, that percentage was even higher at 22.6%. Statistics for cyberbullying are similar in that 15.7% of American students reported being bullied electronically within the past 12 months and 17.4% of Arkansas students reported experiencing cyberbullying. Bullying has negative effects on those who engage in bullying behaviors, those who are targets of bullying behaviors, and those who are witnesses. This course addresses how educators can help.

Host Christina Muñoz leads a discussion about the issue of bullying with three Arkansas professionals who work in and around schools and children. Together they provide necessary information for educators and schools and discuss bullying behaviors, those who are affected by bullying, the signs, and ways to combat bullying in schools. 

This course meets the anti-bullying training requirements of ACA 6-17-711.

NOTE: Act 850 of 2025 revised the definition of "bullying" as of August 6, 2025. The law also amends the process for investigations. Read the text of the legislative changes here. 

Building Resilient Classrooms: Recognizing and Responding to Bullying

Credit Hours: 2.0

Vendor: IDEAS

Bullying remains a significant concern in schools, affecting students' well-being and academic success. According to the Arkansas Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 16% of students reported being bullied on school campuses in 2021, and 18.4% experienced cyberbullying. While these numbers have remained steady or declined slightly, the issue persists and requires proactive intervention. This professional development course is designed to equip educators and school staff with the knowledge and tools necessary to prevent, identify, and respond to bullying effectively. Guided by the Arkansas Department of Education’s “Guidance on Bullying Prevention," participants will explore strategies to foster a safe and supportive learning environment.

Through interactive lessons and engaging video instruction hosted by Chris Kane, this course will cover how to recognize the signs of bullying and cyberbullying, understand school responsibilities in prevention, reporting, and response, and implement practical, school-wide bullying prevention strategies. Educators will also learn how to encourage collaboration among students, families, and school staff to create a united approach to bullying prevention. By the end of this course, participants will be better prepared to take an active role in ensuring that all students feel safe and supported in their school community.