Authoritative school climate: High school practices associated with lower student bullying and victimization

The research posits that two complementary aspects of school climate—structure and support—are crucial for student safety. Using hierarchical linear modeling with a statewide sample of over 7,300 ninth-grade students and 2,900 teachers from 290 high schools, the study found that consistent enforcement of school discipline (structure) and the availability of caring adults (support) were both associated with school safety. These elements were linked to lower rates of bullying and victimization, even after accounting for school enrollment size and the proportion of ethnic minority and low-income students. The findings suggest that disciplinary practices should not be viewed as a dichotomy between a “get tough” approach and a “give support” approach, as both structure and support contribute to a safe school environment for adolescents.

Journal of Educational Psychology, 102, 483-496