Top Ten Resources for Bullying and Cyberbullying

1. Evading the Schoolhouse Gate: Public Schools (K–12) and the Regulation of Off-Campus Student Speech
   This legal analysis examines how U.S. public schools regulate off-campus student speech in the wake of Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L. and related jurisprudence. It explores First Amendment protections, the limits of school authority, and the specific challenges posed by cyberbullying occurring off school grounds. The report evaluates current case law, providing guidance on when schools may legally intervene without infringing on students’ constitutional rights. It also addresses practical considerations for policymakers and educators drafting disciplinary policies that withstand constitutional scrutiny.

2. Teens and Cyberbullying 2023 – Pew Research Center
   This nationally representative survey details the prevalence and forms of cyberbullying among U.S. teens, with 46% reporting at least one form of online harassment. It highlights demographic disparities, noting higher rates among older teens, girls, and LGBTQ youth. The report also examines parental concerns, teens’ coping strategies, and the role of social media platforms in addressing abuse. Findings underscore the importance of platform accountability and provide insight into how teens navigate reporting tools, privacy settings, and peer support.

3. California Anti-Bullying Laws & Policies – StopBullying.gov
   This summary outlines California’s statutory framework addressing bullying and cyberbullying in K–12 schools, including Cal. Educ. Code §§ 32280–32289 and related provisions. It details school district obligations to adopt policies, conduct investigations, and provide reporting mechanisms. The resource also links to model policies and compliance guidance. The document is particularly valuable for attorneys and administrators seeking a quick but authoritative overview of California’s legal obligations in the bullying prevention space.

4. Experiences of Bullying – GLSEN National School Climate Survey 2022
   This national survey documents the school experiences of LGBTQ students, finding that 79% avoided school functions and 76% avoided school spaces due to safety concerns. It presents detailed data on harassment, assault, and discriminatory policies, linking these experiences to adverse educational and mental health outcomes. The findings underscore the need for inclusive policies, staff training, and enforcement of nondiscrimination protections. It also highlights promising practices and legislative trends that have been effective in creating safer environments for marginalized student populations.

5. Literature Review: Bullying and Harassment in Schools – Second Edition (IDRA, 2024)
   This comprehensive literature review synthesizes empirical research on bullying, harassment, and related school climate issues. It discusses prevalence rates, risk factors, impacts on academic achievement, and intersections with race, disability, gender, and sexual orientation. The report also reviews prevention and intervention strategies, emphasizing whole-school approaches and equity-based policy frameworks. The review serves as a research roadmap for policymakers, educators, and litigators seeking evidence-based justifications for targeted anti-bullying interventions.

6. K–12 Education: Student Experiences with Bullying, Hate Speech, Hate Crimes, and Victimization (GAO-22-104341)
   This Government Accountability Office report analyzes federal survey data and stakeholder input on bullying and bias-related incidents in schools. It finds that incidents are underreported and vary significantly across demographic groups. The GAO recommends enhanced federal data collection, improved reporting systems, and better coordination between education agencies and law enforcement. The analysis also points to specific gaps in current federal oversight, suggesting opportunities for legislative and policy reform to strengthen protections.

7. Preventing Bullying Through Science, Policy, and Practice – National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (2016)
   This consensus study synthesizes decades of research on bullying prevention and intervention, emphasizing the public health consequences of peer victimization. It offers evidence-based policy recommendations, including multi-tiered school interventions, legal reform, and community engagement strategies. The report stresses the importance of aligning policies with developmental science and cultural competence. It is a foundational resource for cross-disciplinary stakeholders, from educators to lawmakers, seeking to integrate science-based approaches into anti-bullying frameworks.

8. Bullying Victimization Among Teenagers: United States, 2021–2023 – CDC/NCHS Data Brief No. 514 (2024)
   Based on National Health Interview Survey–Teen data, this report finds that 34% of U.S. teens were bullied in the past year, with higher rates among girls, LGBTQ youth, White teens, and those with developmental disabilities. Victimization is strongly associated with anxiety and depression symptoms. The data provides current, statistically rigorous prevalence estimates for targeted prevention efforts. Its breakdown by demographic and disability status makes it especially relevant for tailoring interventions to the most affected subgroups.

9. Cyberbullying Legislation and Case Law: Implications for School Policy and Practice – Cyberbullying Research Center (2024)
   This resource reviews state statutes, federal guidance, and key case law shaping school responses to cyberbullying. It addresses the legal boundaries for disciplining off-campus online conduct, including First Amendment considerations. The report provides policy recommendations for schools to create legally defensible, educationally sound cyberbullying policies. Its case summaries offer practical insight into litigation trends and evolving judicial interpretations of school authority in the digital age.

10. Bullying and Suicide: A Public Health Approach – NIH / CDC / SAMHSA (2016)
    This article synthesizes research on the complex relationship between bullying involvement and suicide-related behaviors. While bullying is strongly correlated with suicidal ideation and attempts, the relationship is mediated by depression, trauma history, and other psychosocial factors. The authors advocate for comprehensive public health strategies that address both bullying prevention and broader mental health supports. It also identifies protective factors, such as parental connectedness and peer support, which can mitigate suicide risk in bullied youth.