PRAISE Program for Reducing Peer Aggression and Bullying in Elementary Students

The study is designed to test a program called PRAISE, which aims to prevent bullying and aggression among children in 3rd to 5th grade. This program teaches kids how to recognize emotions, calm down, understand others' actions, and make thoughtful choices during conflicts. It also includes lessons that encourage empathy, understanding different perspectives, and empowering students to act positively when they see bullying. The goal is to see if PRAISE can effectively reduce bullying and aggression, while also helping children improve their problem-solving skills and confidence in handling conflicts peacefully. In this study, elementary schools will be randomly selected to either use the PRAISE program or not, creating a comparison between the two groups. The program involves coaching and curriculum activities that are part of the regular school schedule. Researchers will track changes in students' behaviors and skills, focusing on how well the program helps students become more peaceful and proactive bystanders. The study also looks at factors like how the program is taught and individual differences among students and facilitators to see how these might affect the program's success. There are no specific risks mentioned, as the study involves regular school-based activities rather than medical interventions.