---

Effectively addressing the issue of bullying behaviours in schools is a significant challenge for educators.Peer-led intervention programs are proven to be strong solutions to dealing with the issue and there is a growing body of evidence to suggest they are effective in reducing bullying behaviours. they can t hurt me examines an evidence based intervention program which when implemented effectively was found to reduce bullying behaviours. Peer Support Australia s primary schools anti- bullying program was examined.Students who experience bullying behaviours are more likely to speak to their friends,making a peer-led approach more powerful and effective as a preventative measure.Pressure to rapidly solve bullying behaviours can lead school communities to seek out externally produced one-off programs.There is a need for a program which is valued for its contribution to empowering young people who are bystanders in any bullying incident and effecting positive cultural change in school contexts.Written in an accessible style by an educator for educators,they can t hurt me is an excellent examination of a successful peer-led approach.

---

Sharlene has a background in secondary education, professional education and training with multiple post graduate degrees. She is currently a PhD candidate. For over 15 years Sharlene has published numerous articles, presents at conferences and researched,evaluated and developed anti-bullying and peer-led programs. www.sharlenechadwick.com

---