Conditions for the implementation of anti-bullying programmes in Norway and Ireland: A comparison of contexts and strategies

Drawing on experiences from anti-bullying programmes in Norway and Ireland, our primary objective in this paper is to present and discuss similarities and differences in national contexts, delivery strategies and strategies at school level for implementation of the ABC (Ireland) and Zero (Norway) anti-bullying programmes. Both programmes are whole-school anti-bullying programmes that share a common structure and marked similarities in methodology, emanating from a Norwegian nationwide anti-bullying programme developed at the Centre for Behavioural Research. Comparisons show considerable differences in the national contexts, with the Norwegian authorities taking more initiative towards anti-bullying work. There were both similarities and differences concerning delivery strategies. A conclusion to be drawn is that in order to stimulate implementation of anti-bullying programmes in schools, the national authorities can have a promoting role through their focus, legislation and resource allocation. However, conditions for implementation also include the delivery process and strategies for implementation at the school level