Why is explicit praise included in bullying interventions?

• A. It discourages reporting to authorities
• B. It reduces the need for supervision
• C. Bullies and targets need social reinforcement for good behavior
• D. It creates a punitive atmosphere

Answer: (C)

Explicit praise acts as positive social reinforcement in bullying interventions. When adults explicitly recognize and reward concrete prosocial behaviors—such as a student stepping in to stop harassment, supporting the target, or reporting an incident—the classroom or school climate learns that these actions are valued and effective. This reinforcement helps shift norms toward kindness and cooperation and gives both bullies and targets a clearer path for what good behavior looks like. For the bully, praise for choosing nonviolent, respectful actions can reduce the appeal of aggression and encourage alternative ways to gain status. For the target, it reinforces seeking help and engaging with peers instead of remaining isolated. In short, social reinforcement for good behavior helps produce more of that behavior by making it rewarded and visible.

Other options miss the mark because praising positive actions actually supports reporting and help-seeking, rather than discouraging them; praise does not remove the need for supervision, it complements it; and praise fosters a supportive climate rather than a punitive one.