CMS students brainstorm ways to stop bullying in local schools

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It can be tough to talk about, but bullying is happening in schools all across Charlotte.

That’s why Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools launched an anonymous digital platform last spring as part of wide-ranging program called Stand Up Speak Out.

It’s aimed at preventing violence with a focus on bullying.

The platform received more than 800 reports of bullying across all schools last school year.

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“The more that they feel safe and the more that we are out there promoting this tool as a safe place to report, the more we’re going to get,” said CMS bully prevention specialist John Concelman.

While CMS does not have the number of reports for this school year, Concelman said the program receives at least eight messages a day.

The concern grows as the crime rate climbs in the city, something Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Kerr Putney maintains is due to young people settling petty arguments with guns.

“When the conflict escalates, it becomes ‘I must destroy the other person to win,’” said Concelman.

CMS is confident if it can provide intervention before an argument reaches a boiling point the violence across the city could decline.

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However, the parameters in which the district can respond can be difficult.

For instance, if online bullying occurs off-campus, the district’s reach may be limited.

If it happens on campus, there is a policy to address it.

“It’s hard for us with the limited resources we have to really do a whole lot unless what’s happening in social media spills into the school,” Concelman added.

At a summit Wednesday, CMS students brainstormed ways to stop the problem in their own schools.

“I see it with Instagram and Snapchat and things like that. That can be used to get back at somebody,” said student Josiah Smith. “We need to learn how to fix the problems, not with violence like guns, but with talking.”

It’s an effort the U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with CMS on to help provide resources to expand the program and to stop the violence.

“If they don’t tolerate something then it’s not cool, and if it’s not cool, then the rest won’t do it,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray.

CMS is expected to have the final number of reports once the school year is completed.

District leaders will then analyze the data and create programs to help prevent future issues.

Cox Media Group