Anti-bullying program quashes playground gossip

By Liz Goodwin

Wed Jan 5, 11:16 am ET

Is malicious gossip an inevitable part of the playground? Maybe not, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Washington.

The scientists taught gossipy Seattle grade-school kids empathy and other life skills in a three-month anti-bullying program — and found that the kids in their sample bad-mouthed fellow students about 70 percent less than before they went through the program. The research was recently published in School Psychology Review. (Children who did not spread malicious gossip before the program continued on as good sports after the anti-bullying lessons.)

The study may bring hope to school administrators under Education Secretary Anne Duncan’s directive to “eliminate” bullying in the nation’s schools.

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