PROTECTING STUDENTS
The Baldwin County School District (BCSD) has begun its annual anti-bullying campaign.
On Sept. 7, the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC) held its first meeting to discuss the definition of bullying and ways to prevent bullying within the schools. The council is made up of student representatives from all Baldwin County schools, from primary to high school. The students are nominated by their school principal or can apply. Each school has a representative for each grade level, except the primary schools, which have only second-grade representatives.
“This council opens the lines of communication between the students and district level leadership, creating a space to listen and develop solutions that lead to decreased bullying and improved student safety,” said Dr. Noris Price, superintendent.
The council defined bullying based on the BCSD Student Code of Conduct. Based on that definition, bullying is defined as any willful attempt or threat to inflict injury when accompanied by the ability to do so, any intentional display of force and any intentional written, verbal or physical act, which a reasonable person would perceive as being intended to threaten, harass or intimidate another person. The last point of the definition extended to examples of how to come to the conclusion of when it is bullying.
“We wanted to ensure that the students understood what is and what is not bullying,” said Price. “We also ensured students knew the offenses of bullying stated in our code of conduct.”
After learning what bullying is and some examples of it, students were given the chance to discuss ways to prevent bullying within the schools. They suggested over 20 ideas that could help bring awareness to the problem and prevent it from happening. Some of these ideas included: seminars on the effects of bullying, posting flyers and posters around the schools, creating a safe environment, having mental health counseling and addressing problems that the bully or victim has.
“Bullying is something that has always negatively affected people. Student safety and learning are top priorities in our school district, and a positive culture and climate ensure safety and promote student success,” said Price. “Increasing awareness is the first step in reducing bullying and improving school culture and climate.”
Price encourages parents and the community to learn more about bullying and its effect. The act of bullying can occur anywhere and can have lasting effects on the social, mental and physical health of any student.
“No school or community is “safe” from the devastating effects of bullying, but we can learn how to take effective, positive steps toward preventing and stopping bullying when it occurs,” said Price. “Creating schools and communities that are free of bullying requires everyone to help students understand that bullying is unacceptable, hurtful and preventable and to know what they can do to stop it.”
The school district will be continuing its anti-bullying campaign throughout the year at all schools in the district. The topic will also be continuously discussed by the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, among other topics.