Putting a stop to bullying before it starts
August 31, 2010 • Shannon Masel
Filed under News
When high schoolers wake up in the morning, most of them think, “Wow, I don’t want to go to school.” On the other hand, some kids wake up every day, dreading going to school because they don’t want to be harassed for reasons like getting good grades, or wearing jeans that are last season.
“I think everyone has been in the position of walking by a group, hearing them whisper, and the loud laugh that follows,” said Tori Kammerzell, freshman. “It’s [bullying] not just physical.”
Most people do not think of themselves as bullies, but most people have sent or received a mean message over Facebook when they get frustrated. If the recipient reports it, then the bully could get in big trouble.
“A lot of my friends always complain about Formspring and sites like that,” commented Kammerzell. “But if you don’t want people to be mean, why would you make an account?”
The rules state that if a student feels like they have been subjected to harassment, of any kind (gender, race, color, religion, origin, or disability) they can, and should, report it. Bullying and threatening are both considered harassment, and are both punishable. This may include hitting, teasing, social exclusion, and cyber bullying. The consequences range from informal conferences to suspension, or even expulsion from the district.
“You can call 480.706.7954, the security line, if you want to report something, with your name or anonymously,” said Jim Snow, security guard. “But if you’re the one being bullied, we’ll need names.” There is also a paper in the school handbook that can be filed with the office about any harassment that is happening personally.
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