CMS Announces Digital Platform to Report Bullying
The platform, accessible on each school’s website and the district’s home page, allows anonymous reporting.
In an effort to prevent bullying, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) recently launched a new digital platform that allows anonymous reporting. The platform, accessible on each school’s website as well as the district’s home page, offers a user-friendly way for students, staff and the public to report bullying concerns.
The anonymous reporting is part of the CMS initiative to prevent bullying by encouraging students to “Stand Up and Speak Out.” The CMS program has also been used as a model by other school districts.
“The anonymous-reporting platform is simple, but it does include the critical questions that will allow thoughtful reflection and documentation,” says John Concelman, the district’s bullying-prevention specialist. “It is truly anonymous. If the person reporting wishes to identify themselves, there is a place on the digital form for that, but it’s optional.”
Concelman said that he will review each report and determine what action needs to be taken.
“Our experiences in working with students across the district have shown us that students want to stand up and speak out but sometimes are afraid that it will go wrong,” he says. “In addition, students and families sometimes don’t know who to go to, or fear that reporting will make them a target or be labeled a tattletale.”
The new platform extends the district’s commitment to making all schools safe and welcoming, says Dr. Clayton Wilcox, superintendent.
“We are absolutely committed to student safety and peace of mind when they’re in school,” Wilcox says. “The ability to report without fear of reprisal is an important part of protecting all students and families.”
Once the program is well established, reports will be received at the school level by the principal or a designee, and the reports will also be sent to him to quickly offer support for school-level interventions.
Questions about the new platform can be directed to preventbullying@cms.k12.nc.us.
Source: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
