The Support Group Method

The Support Group Method, developed by Barbara Maines and George Robinson, was first outlined in Educational Psychology in Practice (1991) and published as a distance learning pack in 1992. The approach addresses bullying by forming a support group of 'bullies' and/or bystanders. Without apportioning blame, it uses a problem-solving approach, giving responsibility to the group to solve the problem and to report back at a subsequent review meeting.

When bullying has been observed or reported then The Support Group Method offers a simple seven-step procedure which can be used by a teacher or other facilitator.

The Support Group Method has been proven effective in a variety of establishments around the world.

Further Information

• The Support Group Method - How it works
• Survey of the Use of the Support Group Method
• The No Blame Approach in Germany
• The Support Group Method in the Netherlands
• The Support Group Method in Switzerland
• A Converted Sceptic
• Comments From A 'Victim'
• Workplace Bullying

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