To combat bullying in local schools all educators and faculty have undergone comprehensive training to ensure they can identify signs of bullying and how to stop it, said school officials.
Michael Mcauley, executive director of Student Discipline Support for the Duval School Board, appeared on Tuesday’s First Coast Connect to discuss the issue of bullying in schools.
“Certainley one of the biggest challenges we have,” Mcauley said, “is just being 21st century learners on 21st century adolescents and the platforms which they communicate.”
A study conducted by www.nobullying.com show more than 70 percent of students witness bullying on a monthly basis and 52 percent of students reported being cyber bullied.
The study also shows that bullying can have an negative impact on kids, including loss of appetite to eating disorders, failing grades, risk of depression and anxiety, and even suicide.
Mcauley says that they are training teachers and faculty members to realize tiny behavioral traits or body language as a key to preventing bullying. If signs are apparent, the staff is trained to contact parents and to reach out to the proper counselors or administrators.
“I think we are definitely seeing more active participation of students.” Mcauley said. “Particularly as they become more and more embedded in their schools community and the desire to make it their place.”
Brian Giles, Chartwells K-12 regional vice president, talked about what is being done by the school's food services to combat the bullying epidemic in Volusia County.
“As a parent,” Giles said, “I am certainly sensitive to the environment my children encounter each day when they go to school.”
Overseeing the public school’s food services, Giles said each faculty member, including the cafeteria staff, notice signs of bullying and how to help.
"We have posted widgets, or some videos on cyber bullying to influence, inform, and encourage students to really step up." Giles said.
