A protected way to report bullying
New CMS platform allows anonymity for students, staff and parents
As part of its wide-ranging
effort to prevent bullying,
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
launched a new digital platform
April 20 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 Charlotte-
Mecklenburg Schools initiative to
prevent bullying by encouraging
students to “Stand Up and Speak
Out.” The CMS program has been
used as a model by other school
districts.
At a media briefing to
announce the platform’s launch, Dr. Clayton Wilcox, superintendent of
CMS, said that the district has an obligation to prevent bullying and
to provide avenues to report it when it happens.
“Our kids need us to support them – not just academically but in
their mental and physical health too,” he said. “Bullying by anyone,
anywhere in CMS will not be tolerated. We want people to stand up
and say, ‘This is not acceptable.’ Bullying affects schools far more
than we realize.”
Dr. Wilcox was joined by Dr. Cotrane Penn, the executive director
of student services.
“We know bullying is a pervasive challenge,” Dr. Penn said. “There
are lots of domino effects of bullying.” She said that bullying doesn’t
just damage the victim; those who observe it are also affected by
it. The new platform provides complete anonymity for anyone who
wants to remain anonymous, she said, removing some of the fear
and risk associated with reporting bullying.
“The anonymous-reporting platform is simple but it does
include the critical questions that will allow thoughtful reflection
and documentation,” said 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 said. “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, said Dr. Clayton Wilcox, superintendent.
“We are absolutely committed to student safety and peace of
mind when they’re in school,” Wilcox said. “The ability to report
without fear of reprisal is an important part of protecting all students
and families.” He also said that he gets two to three calls each week
from parents with bullying concerns.
Once the program is well established, reports will be received at
the school level by the principal or a designee, Concelman said, and
the reports will also be sent to him to quickly offer support for school-
level interventions. Principals received training and information about
the new platform early in March.
Questions about the new platform can be
directed to
[email protected].
Parent Teacher Magazine • May/June 2018 • 3