Texts vs. bullies: new program aims to stop bullying via cell phone

NCT ID NCT06017050

Completed Prevention Sponsor: Center for Innovative Public Health Research Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested a program called BullyDown, which sends text messages to middle school students over 8 weeks to help prevent bullying. The messages teach social and emotional skills. 138 students took part, and the study checked if the program was easy to use and if students liked it. It did not measure whether bullying actually went down.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: text-message bullying prevention program (BullyDown)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a scalable, low-cost way to prevent bullying among middle school students, even when learning remotely.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed feasibility study with 138 participants. It only measured whether the program was acceptable and could retain participants, not whether it actually reduces bullying.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Bullying

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BULLYING

Contacts and locations

Locations

Center for Innovative Public Health Research

San Clemente, California, 92672-6745, United States
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599-2100, United States

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