A pilot evaluation of the social validity of a bullying bystander program adapted for high school students

Although school‐based programs are effective at decreasing bullying, the majority of studies have been conducted with elementary and middle school students. We conducted a pilot study using a randomized controlled design investigating the social validity of a brief, bullying bystander program adapted to be age‐appropriate for high school students (N = 65). Results indicated that high school students in the intervention group perceived the program to be acceptable and relevant and reported greater increases in knowledge ( η p 2 = 0.27) and confidence to intervene ( η p 2 = 0.27) in bullying situations compared to students in the control group. Despite being trained in the use of four intervention strategies, students reported using two of the strategies infrequently. Additionally, we found a significant difference between the intervention and control group for only one strategy (Φ = −0.44). This study provides partial support for the social validity of the adapted program. Implications for implementing the program at the high school level are discussed.