Proven to be effective, KiVa is a very well-known anti-bullying program. The main goal of KiVa is bullying prevention by influencing group norms. KiVa has been proven to reduce bullying and victimization, while increasing empathy toward victimized peers and self-efficacy to defend them (Salmivalli, Poskiparta, Ahtola, & Haataja, 2013). It was developed in Finland and is widely used there; bullying and victimization have decreased significantly since its integration into the school system (www.kivaprogram.net/is-kiva-effective). KiVa materials include teacher’s manuals, student lessons, a guide for parents, presentation graphics, video clips, online games, and online monitoring tools.
What makes KiVa more effective than other anti-bullying programs? KiVa does not attempt to change potential bullying targets by reducing individual-level risk factors (such as social anxiety), nor does it attempt to influence individual bullies. KiVa attempts to influence the peer context, making students aware of their own roles in maintaining, or stopping, bullying. The key is influencing group norms, and creating the capacity in all children “to behave in constructive ways, to take responsibility for not encouraging bullying, and to support the vulnerable peers” (www.kivaprogram.net/faq). While it is presently used mainly in Europe, KiVa has recently been introduced to schools in New Zealand, Africa, and North America.
References:
Kiva International: www.kivaprogram.net
Salmivalli, C., Poskiparta, E., Ahtola, A., & Haataja, A. (2013). The implementation and effectiveness of the KiVa antibullying program in Finland. European Psychologist, 18(2): 79-88. Retrieved from: http://search.proquest.com.proxy1.lib.uwo.ca/docview/1371262557?pq-origsite=summon&accountid=15115