How can school-based mental health policies most effectively address adolescent bullying and its impact on mental health?

A. Limiting interventions to cyberbullying only ignores other forms of bullying, such as physical, verbal, or social bullying. Focusing solely on online harassment is insufficient to comprehensively address the mental health impact of bullying in adolescents. B. Developing educational campaigns promoting awareness and preventive strategies is the most effective approach. These campaigns educate students, staff, and parents about the signs and consequences of bullying, promote empathy and social-emotional skills, and encourage proactive prevention. Integrating education with supportive policies helps reduce bullying incidents and addresses its mental health effects, including anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal. C. Encouraging teacher monitoring without involving students directly may detect some bullying, but it does not engage students in prevention or equip them with coping strategies. Student involvement is critical for creating a safe and supportive school climate. D. Implementing strict punitive policies without educational programs may reduce incidents temporarily but does not teach conflict resolution, empathy, or coping skills, limiting the long-term effectiveness of the intervention. Punitive measures alone can create fear rather than understanding and may worsen school climate.