Photo by Daemyn Broxterman.
Bullying can have a long lasting effect on students’ mental health, confidence and sense of safety at school.
Assistant Principal Brian Laux said students can report bullying anonymously through “Safe 2 Help.”
Safe 2 help is a website for students who are struggling with suicidal thoughts, self-harm, bullying and other personal problems.
After receiving a report, school staff interview the people involved.
Consequences depend on the situation and may range from detention to suspension.
Laux said students should tell an adult and their assistant principal if bullying continues after it has been reported. He also said parents on both sides are contacted by phone call when an issue like this happens.
School counselor Sarah Grigsby said bullying can cause students to lose confidence, withdraw from friendships and avoid school.
Cyberbullying can include hurtful messages, rumors, group chats and harmful social media posts.
“Teasing, rumors, and social exclusion aren’t harmless drama—they directly impact a person’s mental health, self-esteem and sense of safety for years to come,” Grigsby said.
Grigsby said some students hesitate to report bullying because they fear retaliation or worry the situation could become worse.
She works with students to develop safety plans, identify trusted adults and rebuild their confidence.
A safety plan depends on a student’s specific situation.
School Resource Officer Emily Ostdiek said bullying reports can come from students or school administrators.
She responds to situations involving physical assaults or threats and works with counselors and administrators to support students.
Ostdiek encourages students experiencing bullying to tell a parent, counselor, school resource officer or administrator.
Ostdiek deals with online threats, in person threats or anything physical in a sense of a bullying topic.
Students dealing with cyberbullying should save threatening messages and other relevant evidence.
Students who witness bullying can help by supporting classmates and adults rather than spreading rumors or sharing hurtful content.
“Be kind!” Ostdiek said. “ Remember how it feels when something is being said about you that is not true or when you are being picked on.”
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