Bullying incidents trend down for third consecutive year, according to student survey

This school year, most BVSD students participated in a Bullying Prevention Education Grant (BPEG) survey, administered each school year from 2022-23, thanks to the funding from the grant. BPEG is a grant from CDE that funds bullying prevention work at school districts, and requires a survey to be administered as part of the grant.

The results showed a continued slight decrease in reported bullying in our schools over a three year period.

This is a testament to our schools daily commitment to classroom management, social emotional learning, bullying prevention implementation, and relationship-building.

• Positive trend over time: The data show a 6.1 point decrease in the percentage of students reporting being bullied over the last three years (dropping from 22.0% in 2024 to 15.9% in 2026).
   
• Equitable progress: Data shows that the downward trend in bullying is reflected across all racial and ethnic student groups and is statistically significant for all but the smallest reported group (Black or African American).
   
• Robust engagement by level: Participation rates at the elementary (83%) and middle school (65%) levels represent high levels of student engagement with this measure. While high school participation (44%) is lower than other levels, it still represents a significant portion of the student population.

 

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What this means for students

These survey results help us to get a more transparent look into student experience in schools, so that we can continue to support safety, wellbeing and find ways to address needs and build programs that address bullying incidents and ensure prevention.

• A Safer School Climate: We are encouraged to share that student reports of bullying have declined for the third consecutive year, reaching a new low of 15.9%. Our district-wide bullying rate has dropped from 22% to 15.9% since 2024. This is a testament to our schools daily commitment to classroom management, social emotional learning, bullying prevention implementation, and relationship-building.
   
• Safety for Every Student: Our commitment is to ensure a safe environment for every child. We are encouraged to see that bullying reports have decreased across all student demographics over the last three years.
   
• Student Voice Matters: We had incredible participation in this year’s survey. Notably, 83% of elementary students shared their perspectives, giving us a clear window into their daily school experience.
   
• A Growing Culture of Respect: While our goal is always zero incidents, the data shows that more students than ever feel safe and supported in our hallways and classrooms.
   
• Next Steps: We will use these insights to continue building programs that foster belonging and ensure every student has a trusted adult to turn to.

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Learn more about bullying prevention in BVSD

While our district’s goal is to prevent all bullying, we know among youth it can likely never be eradicated completely. Our counselors continuously provide student lessons on the difference between bullying and conflict as well as implement Restorative Practices into schools across the district. 

Bullying prevention programs and our restorative practices whole-school approach align with a key objective of BVSD’s Strategic Plan, that all students feel valued and included in their learning environment.

Through our BPEG bullying prevention grant, and through services and training provided by school counselors and teachers, provide education and prevention against bullying and violence in nearly every BVSD school. Some of the school programs include:

K-5 Second Step Bullying Prevention
Four lesson unit that teaches students how to recognize, respond to and report bullying behaviors, and build their bystander power skills. All BVSD Students engage in these lessons, Kindergarten through 5th Grade. 

7th Bullying & Violence Prevention Education
Two-week unit that teaches students how to recognize, respond to and report bullying behaviors, and build their upstander skills. All BVSD 7th grade students engage in these lessons via their health class. 

HS Bullying & Violence Prevention Education  
Two-week unit that teaches students how to recognize, respond to and report bullying behaviors, and build their upstander skills. All high school students engage in this learning as part of the required high school health class. 

Students also review expectations for reporting and investigation steps. Learn more about these efforts on the BVSD Bullying Prevention webpage.

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How bullying is reported

Boulder Valley School District prohibits all forms of harassment and bullying in order to foster a school climate conducive to learning, teaching, and working. Students or parents can report bullying online via our Make a Report webpage or by using a paper form in the school office. 

Following the submission, the principal and designated BVSD administrator will be notified and the reporter can expect to receive a follow-up communication. A school leader will conduct an investigation, speaking to all parties involved. Afterward, they will receive a report on the outcome of the investigation and any next steps.

You can learn more about this formal process under BVSD policy JDHB: Bullying.

It takes all of us: administrators, teachers, classified staff, parents/guardians and students to take all reasonable steps to prevent and address bullying to preserve a culture of wellbeing and belonging for all students in our schools.

Learn more about the warning signs of bullying, cyberbullying resources, prevention and more on the BVSD Bullying Prevention page.