College of Education establishes Bullying Prevention Center

The Board also approved Tuesday the establishment of the Bullying Prevention Center at the College of Education. The new Center will be dedicated to helping schools and communities identify, prevent, and respond to bullying among youth. Led by nationally recognized researcher and College of Education professor Chad Rose, the Center will partner with K–12 school districts across South Carolina to align policies and training with evidence-based approaches to bullying prevention.

Bullying is a persistent public health concern with significant negative impacts on mental health, academics and behavior for those who are bullied as well as those who perpetrate bullying. Unlike normal conflict or a one-time fight, bullying is defined by unwanted, aggressive physical or verbal behavior repeated over time by an individual or group.

The new Center also will provide hands-on research and applied learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, preparing the next generation of educators, practitioners, and scholars while positioning the university as a state and national leader in bullying prevention.

“This new Center will give educators the skills they need to help to students who are struggling, improving their learning outcomes and emotional well-being. It’s one more example of how USC researchers and educators are addressing real-world problems and strengthening South Carolina communities,” said Provost Mary Anne Fitzpatrick.